Jamaica's Find
by Juanita Havill, Anne Sibley O'Brien, Teresa Mlawer
Scholastic Inc. 1986
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- honesty
- integrity
- empathy
- responsibility
- choices and consequences
- community
- self-reflection
About this book
When Jamaica discovers a stuffed dog and a cap left at the playground, she must decide what to do with someone else’s things. Her feelings of pride, guilt, and empathy guide her toward making a thoughtful choice. This gentle, realistic story is perfect for young readers and read‑alouds, sparking conversations about honesty and doing the right thing. Families and classrooms love its relatable situations and warm illustrations.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood and playground
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaica's Find right for my child?
Yes — Jamaica's Find is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.1, 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 honesty, integrity, empathy.
How long does it take to read Jamaica's Find?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Jamaica's Find takes around 6m to finish. The book has 770 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Jamaica's Find have an AR quiz?
Yes — Jamaica's Find 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 Jamaica's Find?
Jamaica's Find has an AR reading level of 2.1, 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.