The Something
Farrar Straus & Giroux 1987
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- fear of the dark
- courage
- imagination
- parent-child relationship
- coping strategies
- self-confidence
- bedtime routines
About this book
When Mylo hears mysterious noises in the dark, his imagination runs wild. With gentle guidance from his mother, he finds a simple, empowering way to face what scares him. Natalie Babbitt’s warm storytelling and expressive artwork make this a comforting read-aloud for young children. It’s a reassuring choice for families navigating bedtime worries and fears of the dark.
Setting: a family home at night
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Something right for my child?
Yes — The Something 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 fear of the dark, courage, imagination.
How long does it take to read The Something?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Something takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Something have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Something 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 Something?
The Something 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.