No Bad News
by Kenneth Cole
Albert Whitman & Company 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- community
- optimism
- perspective
- role models
- belonging
- urban life
- resilience
About this book
Marcus walks through his neighborhood on the way to the barbershop and notices lots of bad news—graffiti, litter, and people hanging around. Inside the shop, neighbors share the good news that’s happening all around him: new jobs, graduations, community cleanups, and small acts of kindness. This upbeat picture book celebrates barbershop culture and the power of seeing the positive in your community. A great read for ages 5–8, it encourages perspective-taking, optimism, and neighborhood pride.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood and barbershop
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is No Bad News right for my child?
Yes — No Bad News is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 community, optimism, perspective.
How long does it take to read No Bad News?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, No Bad News takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does No Bad News have an AR quiz?
Yes — No Bad News 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 No Bad News?
No Bad News has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.