I wanna iguana
by Karen Kaufman Orloff
G.P. Putnam's Sons 2004
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- persuasion
- family relationships
- compromise
- pets
- negotiation
- empathy
About this book
Told through a series of funny letters, a boy named Alex tries to persuade his mom to let him have a pet iguana. His clever arguments and Mom’s witty responses make this a lively read-aloud. Young readers enjoy the humor, expressive art, and the back-and-forth format. It’s great for early elementary kids, especially those interested in pets and learning about persuasive writing.
Setting: modern-day suburban home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I wanna iguana right for my child?
Yes — I wanna iguana 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 responsibility, persuasion, family relationships.
How long does it take to read I wanna iguana?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, I wanna iguana takes around 5m to finish. The book has 630 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I wanna iguana have an AR quiz?
Yes — I wanna iguana 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 I wanna iguana?
I wanna iguana 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.