Sun Up, Sun Down
by Gail Gibbons
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1987
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- day and night
- the sun
- observation and discovery
- science and astronomy
- time and routines
- nature
About this book
This bright, accessible picture book explains why we have daytime and nighttime, following the sun from sunrise to sunset and into the stars. Gail Gibbons uses clear text and labeled illustrations to show Earth’s rotation, shadows, and simple sky observations children can make. It’s a friendly introduction to basic astronomy and time-of-day concepts for early elementary readers. Perfect for science units or curious kids who love to look up and wonder.
Setting: everyday places on Earth across daytime and nighttime; Earth’s sky
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sun Up, Sun Down right for my child?
Yes — Sun Up, Sun Down is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, 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 day and night, the sun, observation and discovery.
How long does it take to read Sun Up, Sun Down?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Sun Up, Sun Down takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sun Up, Sun Down have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sun Up, Sun Down 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 Sun Up, Sun Down?
Sun Up, Sun Down has an AR reading level of 2.8, 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.