Smiles
by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy
Alfaguara 1999
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- emotions
- kindness
- empathy
- cultural diversity
- community
- self-confidence
- gratitude
- positivity
About this book
Smiles introduces young readers to the many ways people share joy and kindness through a simple, engaging look at smiles across everyday life. With clear, accessible text ideal for early readers, the book highlights how a smile can connect us, show respect, and build friendships. It’s a gentle, positive nonfiction title that supports social-emotional learning and celebrates cultural diversity. Perfect for K–2 children building confidence with reading and talking about feelings.
Setting: everyday real-world settings across diverse communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smiles right for my child?
Yes — Smiles 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 emotions, kindness, empathy.
How long does it take to read Smiles?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Smiles takes around 4m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Smiles have an AR quiz?
Yes — Smiles 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 Smiles?
Smiles 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.