Knock Knock
My Dad's Dream for Me (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner)
by Daniel Beaty
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2013
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- father–son relationship
- parental absence
- resilience
- hope and dreams
- identity and self-worth
- love and guidance
- growing up
- perseverance
About this book
Each morning a young boy waits for his father’s familiar knock on the door—until one day it doesn’t come. Through lyrical, letter-like text and expressive collage art, the story explores how a parent’s love and guidance can remain even in absence. It gently encourages children to find strength, follow their dreams, and believe in their own potential. A powerful read-aloud that opens conversations about family changes, hope, and resilience.
Setting: contemporary urban home and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knock Knock right for my child?
Yes — Knock Knock is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, 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 father–son relationship, parental absence, resilience.
How long does it take to read Knock Knock?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Knock Knock takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Knock Knock have an AR quiz?
Yes — Knock Knock 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 Knock Knock?
Knock Knock has an AR reading level of 2.9, 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.