Tom's tail
by Linda M. Jennings, Linda M. Jennings, Linda Jennings, Tim Warnes
Sandy Creek 2020
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- self-acceptance
- friendship
- identity
- confidence
- problem-solving
- being different
- kindness
About this book
Tom isn’t sure what to think about his tail—it always seems to get in the way and make him feel different. With help from his animal friends, he sets out to discover whether his tail is a troublemaker or something to celebrate. Gentle humor and warm illustrations follow Tom’s small adventures and big feelings. It’s a comforting read-aloud for young children learning to appreciate what makes them unique.
Setting: a friendly woodland with animal neighbors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tom's tail right for my child?
Yes — Tom's tail is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, 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 self-acceptance, friendship, identity.
How long does it take to read Tom's tail?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Tom's tail takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tom's tail have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tom's tail 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 Tom's tail?
Tom's tail has an AR reading level of 2.6, 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.