Sometimes I'm Bombaloo
by Rachel Vail
Scholastic Press 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Themes include self-awareness
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Genre
Themes
- managing anger
- self-control
- family relationships
- emotional regulation
- empathy
- self-awareness
About this book
Katie is usually kind, but sometimes her big feelings take over and she turns into "Bombaloo," a stomp-and-shout version of herself. With gentle support from her mom, she learns how to calm down and find her way back to being Katie again. This warm, relatable picture book helps young children name and manage strong emotions. Perfect for read-alouds at home or school, it reassures kids that everyone gets mad—and everyone can learn to cool off.
Setting: a contemporary family home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sometimes I'm Bombaloo right for my child?
Yes — Sometimes I'm Bombaloo is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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 managing anger, self-control, family relationships.
How long does it take to read Sometimes I'm Bombaloo?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Sometimes I'm Bombaloo takes around 5m to finish. The book has 580 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sometimes I'm Bombaloo have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sometimes I'm Bombaloo 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 Sometimes I'm Bombaloo?
Sometimes I'm Bombaloo has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.