The Colors of Us
by Karen Katz
Macmillan 1999
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- diversity
- identity
- self-acceptance
- inclusion
- community
- empathy
- multiculturalism
- family
About this book
Seven-year-old Lena goes on a walk with her mom and discovers that skin comes in many beautiful shades, like cinnamon, honey, and cocoa. Through an artist’s lens, she learns to notice and celebrate the unique colors of friends and neighbors. This warm, engaging picture book is perfect for young readers beginning conversations about identity and diversity. Families appreciate its positive message, simple language, and vibrant illustrations that invite discussion.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood and home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Colors of Us right for my child?
Yes — The Colors of Us is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, 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 diversity, identity, self-acceptance.
How long does it take to read The Colors of Us?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Colors of Us takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Colors of Us have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Colors of Us 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 Colors of Us?
The Colors of Us has an AR reading level of 2.5, 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.