Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door
by Laura McGee Kvasnosky
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 1999
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- sibling relationships
- friendship
- empathy
- sharing and cooperation
- imagination and play
- problem-solving
- kindness
- community
About this book
Fox sisters Zelda and Ivy meet the new boy next door, Eugene, and discover that new friends can make ordinary days feel like adventures. In three short, funny chapters, the trio navigates playtime, small misunderstandings, and the art of getting along. Simple text and lively illustrations make this a welcoming choice for new readers. Kids enjoy the warm sibling dynamic, gentle humor, and situations they’ll recognize from their own neighborhoods.
Setting: a quiet suburban neighborhood, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door right for my child?
Yes — Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door 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 sibling relationships, friendship, empathy.
How long does it take to read Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door have an AR quiz?
Yes — Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door 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 Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door?
Zelda and Ivy and the boy next door 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.