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This next New Year book cover

This next New Year

by Janet S. Wong

Frances Foster Books 2000

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English
0.5
AR Points
5m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • family and tradition
  • cultural identity
  • hope and new beginnings
  • community
  • celebration
  • diversity and inclusion

About this book

A young boy of mixed Asian heritage eagerly prepares for Lunar New Year, sharing the sights, sounds, foods, and family traditions that make the celebration special. With hopes for a fresh start, he thinks about the changes he wants to make in the year ahead. Lively, poetic text and warm illustrations invite readers into a joyful community celebration. Perfect for early elementary readers and families exploring cultural traditions together.

Setting: a contemporary American neighborhood during Lunar New Year

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is This next New Year right for my child?

Yes — This next New Year is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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 family and tradition, cultural identity, hope and new beginnings.

How long does it take to read This next New Year?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, This next New Year takes around 5m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does This next New Year have an AR quiz?

Yes — This next New Year 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 This next New Year?

This next New Year has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.