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Jojo's flying side kick book cover

Jojo's flying side kick

by J. Brian Pinkney

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 1995

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
5m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • courage
  • overcoming fear
  • self-confidence
  • perseverance
  • goal-setting
  • discipline
  • family support
  • mentorship

About this book

Jojo is gearing up for her next martial arts test, but one big move—the flying side kick—feels scary. With encouragement from her instructor and family, she learns to focus, trust her training, and find her inner strength. Vibrant, motion-filled art brings her practice and determination to life. A great pick for young readers who enjoy sports stories and tales of building confidence.

Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood and a martial arts studio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jojo's flying side kick right for my child?

Yes — Jojo's flying side kick is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, 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 courage, overcoming fear, self-confidence.

How long does it take to read Jojo's flying side kick?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Jojo's flying side kick takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Jojo's flying side kick have an AR quiz?

Yes — Jojo's flying side kick 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 Jojo's flying side kick?

Jojo's flying side kick has an AR reading level of 2.5, 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.