The Cloud That Stuck
by Karen Krossing
Charlesbridge Publishing 2026
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- mental health
- resilience
- coping strategies
- friendship
- family support
- empathy
- self-acceptance
- problem-solving
About this book
Tansy finds a cloud hovering over her head that just won’t go away, no matter how fast she bikes or how hard she tries. With help from her best friend, her dad, and a caring teacher, she learns new ways to live with stormy feelings and look for bits of sunshine. This gentle, hopeful picture book introduces mental health and resilience in a developmentally friendly way for young readers. Perfect for storytime and social-emotional learning, it reassures kids that big feelings can change with support and creativity.
Setting: a contemporary neighborhood, home, and elementary school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cloud That Stuck right for my child?
Yes — The Cloud That Stuck 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 mental health, resilience, coping strategies.
How long does it take to read The Cloud That Stuck?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Cloud That Stuck takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Cloud That Stuck have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Cloud That Stuck 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 The Cloud That Stuck?
The Cloud That Stuck 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.