Raccoon on his own
by Jim Arnosky
Puffin 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- independence
- exploration
- nature and wildlife
- curiosity
- courage
- adventure
- family/safety
About this book
A curious young raccoon slips into an empty canoe and drifts down a quiet river on his own. Along the way he encounters turtles, fish, and wading birds as the shoreline changes around him. Jim Arnosky’s realistic nature art and gentle, simple text create a calm sense of adventure and wonder. Great for read‑alouds and emerging readers who love animals and the outdoors.
Setting: a quiet woodland river and wetlands, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raccoon on his own right for my child?
Yes — Raccoon on his own 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 independence, exploration, nature and wildlife.
How long does it take to read Raccoon on his own?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Raccoon on his own takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Raccoon on his own have an AR quiz?
Yes — Raccoon on his own 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 Raccoon on his own?
Raccoon on his own 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.