Let it Shine
by Ashley Bryan
Simon and Schuster 2013
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- faith
- joy
- community
- hope
- resilience
- music and rhythm
- African American heritage
- celebration
About this book
Ashley Bryan pairs three beloved African American spirituals with vibrant cut-paper collages to create a joyful sing-along picture book. Young readers can follow the rhythmic, repeating lyrics while the art celebrates light, community, and care for the world. It’s a lively read-aloud for classrooms and families, inviting kids to clap, sing, and join in. Perfect for early readers and music lovers who enjoy books with strong rhythm and bold, colorful artwork.
Setting: Colorful collage scenes inspired by African American spirituals (no single narrative setting)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Let it Shine right for my child?
Yes — Let it Shine 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 faith, joy, community.
How long does it take to read Let it Shine?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Let it Shine takes around 4m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Let it Shine have an AR quiz?
Yes — Let it Shine 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 Let it Shine?
Let it Shine 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.