Snowshoe Thompson
by Nancy Smiler Levinson
HarperTrophy 1996
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- courage
- community
- problem-solving
- frontier life
- kindness
- hope
- winter survival
About this book
This I Can Read! Level 3 book tells the inspiring story of John “Snowshoe” Thompson, the brave mail carrier who crossed the snowy Sierra Nevada on homemade skis. Through the eyes of a frontier boy and his community, readers see how determination and ingenuity can solve real problems. Short chapters, clear text, and lively illustrations make it perfect for confident beginning readers who enjoy history and adventure. A great pick for kids curious about pioneers and true-life heroes.
Setting: Sierra Nevada mountains during the Gold Rush era (1850s winter)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snowshoe Thompson right for my child?
Yes — Snowshoe Thompson 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 perseverance, courage, community.
How long does it take to read Snowshoe Thompson?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Snowshoe Thompson takes around 13m to finish. The book has 1,550 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Snowshoe Thompson have an AR quiz?
Yes — Snowshoe Thompson 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 Snowshoe Thompson?
Snowshoe Thompson 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.