Way Past Afraid
by Hallee Adelman
Albert Whitman & Company 2022
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- fear and anxiety
- coping skills
- family support
- emotional regulation
- bravery
- storms and weather
- reassurance
About this book
During a sleepover at Grammy and Pop’s, Abbi and Van face a loud thunderstorm and a sudden power outage that makes everything feel extra scary. This reassuring picture book shows how naming big feelings and leaning on family can help fear feel smaller. With simple text and expressive art, it’s a great read-aloud for preschool and early elementary kids learning coping skills. Young readers enjoy the relatable situation, the warm grandparent helpers, and the hopeful, comforting tone.
Setting: grandparents’ house during a nighttime thunderstorm
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Way Past Afraid right for my child?
Yes — Way Past Afraid is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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 fear and anxiety, coping skills, family support.
How long does it take to read Way Past Afraid?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Way Past Afraid takes around 5m to finish. The book has 560 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Way Past Afraid have an AR quiz?
Yes — Way Past Afraid 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 Way Past Afraid?
Way Past Afraid has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.