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The AR Booklist
Widget book cover

Widget

by Lyn Rossiter McFarland

Paw Prints 2001

Great fit for 2nd grade

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

2nd grade English Cats
0.5
AR Points
7m
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Genre

Animal Fiction

Themes

  • belonging
  • identity
  • friendship
  • acceptance
  • kindness
  • problem-solving
  • pets and animals
  • being yourself

About this book

Widget is a small stray dog who finds a warm home with kindly Mrs. Diggs—only to discover the house is ruled by cats. To fit in, Widget learns all the catlike ways, from stretching to purring. When trouble strikes, he shows that being himself has its strengths, too. This sweet, funny picture book delights young readers with expressive animal characters and a gentle message about belonging and being true to yourself.

Setting: a cozy suburban house filled with cats

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Widget right for my child?

Yes — Widget is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.2, 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 belonging, identity, friendship.

How long does it take to read Widget?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Widget takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Widget have an AR quiz?

Yes — Widget 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 Widget?

Widget has an AR reading level of 2.2, 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.