Tough Boris
by Mem Fox, Kathryn Brown
Voyager Books 2019
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- empathy
- grief and loss
- appearances vs. reality
- friendship
- kindness
- courage
- pirates
About this book
Tough Boris is the story of a fearsome pirate who looks big, mean, and brave—but discovers that even the toughest pirates have feelings. With very simple, repeating text and expressive illustrations, the book invites young readers to notice the deeper story told in the pictures. It’s perfect for shared reading and discussion about empathy and emotions. Kids enjoy the pirate theme, the humor in the contrast between words and art, and the comforting message that it’s okay to feel sad.
Setting: a pirate ship and a seaside town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tough Boris right for my child?
Yes — Tough Boris is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.1, 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 empathy, grief and loss, appearances vs. reality.
How long does it take to read Tough Boris?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Tough Boris takes around 2m to finish. The book has 230 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tough Boris have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tough Boris 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 Tough Boris?
Tough Boris has an AR reading level of 2.1, 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.