Alida's song
by Gary Paulsen
Random House Children's Books 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- coming of age
- resilience
- work ethic
- healing and hope
- intergenerational relationships
- identity and self-worth
- heritage and tradition
About this book
A teenage boy spends a summer working on a Midwestern farm where his beloved grandmother cooks, finding steadiness, purpose, and quiet joy in the rhythms of hard work. Away from a troubled home life, he discovers confidence and respect as he learns new skills and connects with kind adults. Gary Paulsen’s spare, heartfelt writing celebrates the bond between grandson and grandmother and the healing power of a good day’s work. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic, reflective stories drawn from real life.
Setting: a rural Midwestern farm, mid-20th century summer
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alida's song right for my child?
Yes — Alida's song is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family bonds, coming of age, resilience.
How long does it take to read Alida's song?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Alida's song takes around 1.3h to finish. The book has 13,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Alida's song have an AR quiz?
Yes — Alida's song has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Alida's song?
Alida's song has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.