Something Else
by Kathryn Cave, Chris Riddell
Puffin 1995
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- acceptance
- inclusion
- friendship
- identity
- kindness
- belonging
- empathy
- diversity
About this book
Something Else wants to fit in, but no matter how hard he tries, he always seems different from everyone around him. When a new someone appears, he has to decide what it really means to belong. With warm, expressive art and simple text, this picture book opens gentle conversations about kindness and acceptance. Perfect for younger readers and shared read‑alouds, it reassures children who feel different and encourages empathy in everyone.
Setting: an everyday town and home/school setting, unspecified
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Something Else right for my child?
Yes — Something Else 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 acceptance, inclusion, friendship.
How long does it take to read Something Else?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Something Else takes around 6m to finish. The book has 770 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Something Else have an AR quiz?
Yes — Something Else 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 Something Else?
Something Else 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.