My Buddy, Slug
by Jarrett Krosoczka
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2006
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- communication
- change
- empathy
- feelings
- loyalty
- boundaries
- coping with separation
About this book
Alex and his best friend Slug do everything together—until Slug starts acting a little different and won’t say why. Through humor, expressive art, and kid-true dialogue, this picture book explores how friendships can hit bumps and still grow stronger. It’s perfect for early elementary readers who like funny stories with heart and relatable school-life moments. Kids enjoy the cartoon energy and the reassuring message about talking things out and sticking by your friends.
Setting: contemporary neighborhood and elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Buddy, Slug right for my child?
Yes — My Buddy, Slug is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.4, 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 friendship, communication, change.
How long does it take to read My Buddy, Slug?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, My Buddy, Slug takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Buddy, Slug have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Buddy, Slug 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 My Buddy, Slug?
My Buddy, Slug has an AR reading level of 2.4, 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.