Mop top
by Don Freeman
Perfection Learning Prebound 1955
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- facing fears
- change and growth
- self-confidence
- family support
- everyday challenges
- independence
About this book
A little boy with a wildly long head of hair does everything he can to avoid a much-needed haircut—until a trip to the barber helps him see change isn’t so scary. With warm, expressive illustrations and gentle humor, Don Freeman captures a very relatable childhood worry. Young readers enjoy the lively city scenes and the satisfying, confidence-boosting ending. It’s a comforting read-aloud for kids facing first haircuts or other small new experiences.
Setting: a mid-20th-century city and a neighborhood barbershop
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mop top right for my child?
Yes — Mop top 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 facing fears, change and growth, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Mop top?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Mop top takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mop top have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mop top 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 Mop top?
Mop top 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.