Not afraid of dogs
by Susanna Pitzer
Walker 2006
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- facing fears
- courage
- honesty
- empathy
- family
- pets and animals
- self-confidence
About this book
Daniel says he isn’t afraid of anything—especially not dogs—but when a relative’s pup comes to stay, he has to face his fear head-on. With gentle humor and expressive illustrations, this picture book shows how worries can shrink when we learn the truth about what scares us. It’s a reassuring read for young children who are nervous around animals. Families and teachers like it for its warmth, empathy, and easy conversation starters about feelings and courage.
Setting: a contemporary family home and neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Not afraid of dogs right for my child?
Yes — Not afraid of dogs is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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, courage, honesty.
How long does it take to read Not afraid of dogs?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Not afraid of dogs takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Not afraid of dogs have an AR quiz?
Yes — Not afraid of dogs 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 Not afraid of dogs?
Not afraid of dogs has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.