At the crossroads
Scholastic Inc. 1991
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- hope
- community
- patience
- resilience
- working parents
- homecoming
- perseverance
About this book
Set in a South African township, this picture book follows a group of children who wait by the railroad tracks for their fathers to return home from working in distant mines. Through quiet moments, songs, and shared hope, the community keeps watch together. Lyrical text and expressive paintings capture the tenderness of family bonds and the strength of neighbors supporting one another. It’s a gentle, heartfelt read for young listeners and early readers.
Setting: a South African township, contemporary (1990s)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is At the crossroads right for my child?
Yes — At the crossroads is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, 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 bonds, hope, community.
How long does it take to read At the crossroads?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, At the crossroads takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does At the crossroads have an AR quiz?
Yes — At the crossroads 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 At the crossroads?
At the crossroads has an AR reading level of 2.7, 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.