Last Day Blues
by Julie Danneberg
Charlesbridge 2006
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- appreciation for teachers
- friendship
- teamwork
- creativity
- school community
- change and transition
- empathy
- humor
About this book
It’s the last week of school, and Mrs. Hartwell’s class is buzzing with plans to give their teacher a special goodbye. The students imagine how sad she must be to see the year end and work together to create the perfect surprise. With humor and warmth, the story captures the excitement and bittersweet feelings that come with summer break. Ideal for young readers who love school stories and classroom camaraderie.
Setting: a contemporary elementary school classroom during the last week of school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Last Day Blues right for my child?
Yes — Last Day Blues 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 appreciation for teachers, friendship, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Last Day Blues?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Last Day Blues takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Last Day Blues have an AR quiz?
Yes — Last Day Blues 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 Last Day Blues?
Last Day Blues 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.