
Hoodwinked
by Arthur Howard
Voyager Books 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- pets and pet ownership
- being yourself
- expectations vs. reality
- friendship
- individuality
- kindness and empathy
- humor
About this book
Mitzi is a young witch who can’t wait to pick out a pet—but the usual spooky choices just don’t feel like the right fit. She meets all sorts of creepy-crawly creatures before discovering that the perfect companion might be something unexpected. With playful humor and bright, expressive art, this story makes a fun read-aloud. Ideal for kids who love pets, Halloween-y vibes, and surprise endings.
Setting: a young witch’s cottage and town in a whimsical, modern-day magical world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoodwinked right for my child?
Yes — Hoodwinked is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include pets and pet ownership, being yourself, expectations vs. reality.
How long does it take to read Hoodwinked?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Hoodwinked takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hoodwinked have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hoodwinked has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hoodwinked?
Hoodwinked has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.