Whales passing
by Eve Bunting
Scholastic, Inc. 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family bond
- nature and wildlife
- migration
- wonder and curiosity
- empathy
- observation
- journey
- respect for animals
About this book
A young boy and his father stand on a Pacific beach and watch a pod of gray whales glide by on their long migration. With gentle, lyrical text, the story invites readers to notice details in nature and imagine the whales’ family bonds and journeys. It’s a quiet, reflective picture book perfect for read‑alouds and early independent readers. Kids enjoy the soothing rhythm, the majestic whales, and the warm parent‑child moment.
Setting: a Pacific coast beach during the gray whale migration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whales passing right for my child?
Yes — Whales passing is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, 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 bond, nature and wildlife, migration.
How long does it take to read Whales passing?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Whales passing takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Whales passing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Whales passing 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 Whales passing?
Whales passing has an AR reading level of 2.9, 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.