Neville
Schwartz & Wade 2011
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- moving to a new place
- belonging
- self-confidence
- community
- initiative
- identity
- communication
About this book
When a boy moves to a new neighborhood, everything feels unfamiliar—until he discovers a clever way to break the ice and meet the kids on his street. Norton Juster’s playful voice and G. Brian Karas’s warm, expressive art capture the jitters and excitement of starting over. This reassuring picture book celebrates courage, creativity, and the small steps that lead to big friendships. Perfect for read‑alouds with children who are new to a school or community.
Setting: a suburban neighborhood, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neville right for my child?
Yes — Neville 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 friendship, moving to a new place, belonging.
How long does it take to read Neville?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Neville takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Neville have an AR quiz?
Yes — Neville 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 Neville?
Neville 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.