Tacos Today
El Toro & Friends: A Graphic Novel
HarperCollins 2023
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- community
- perseverance
- food and culture
- bilingualism
- humor
About this book
El Toro and his friends are on a mission to find the tastiest tacos in town, zipping through a lively mercado filled with sights, sounds, and plenty of laughs. Along the way they practice teamwork, solve problems, and sprinkle in playful Spanish words and signage. The energetic art and comic-panel storytelling make it perfect for emerging readers who love action-packed, funny adventures. Kids are drawn to the food theme, the friendly luchadores, and the rich visual details on every page.
Setting: a vibrant Mexican American barrio and mercado, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tacos Today right for my child?
Yes — Tacos Today is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.4, 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 friendship, teamwork, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Tacos Today?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Tacos Today takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tacos Today have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tacos Today 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 Tacos Today?
Tacos Today has an AR reading level of 2.4, 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.