Autumn Street
by Lois Lowry
Yearling 1986
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include prejudice and racism, war and home front
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- prejudice and racism
- war and home front
- loss and grief
- family and belonging
- courage
- memory
- coming of age
About this book
With her father serving overseas in World War II, Elizabeth moves with her mother and sister into her stern grandfather’s house on Autumn Street. There she forges a deep friendship that opens her eyes to the realities of prejudice, class, and the uncertainties of wartime. Told in Lois Lowry’s vivid, reflective voice, the story captures the fears, small joys, and hard lessons of growing up on the home front. A thoughtful choice for readers who like character-driven historical fiction.
Setting: Northeastern United States, early 1940s (World War II home front)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Autumn Street right for my child?
Yes — Autumn Street is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 friendship, prejudice and racism, war and home front.
How long does it take to read Autumn Street?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Autumn Street takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Autumn Street have an AR quiz?
Yes — Autumn Street has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Autumn Street?
Autumn Street has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.