Away West
Puffin 2006
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and justice
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Genre
Themes
- migration and hope
- family and community
- perseverance
- racism and justice
- courage
- self-determination
- frontier/pioneer life
About this book
In this Scraps of Time story, a present-day family uncovers a keepsake that leads to the tale of an ancestor who joined the Exoduster migration in 1879. Leaving the injustices of the post–Civil War South, a Black family journeys west to Kansas in search of land, dignity, and a fresh start. Along the way they face hardships, tough choices, and the challenge of building a new community. Short chapters, vivid history, and a hopeful tone make it a strong pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic, fast-paced historical adventures.
Setting: Post-Reconstruction American South and the Kansas prairie during the Exoduster movement (1879)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Away West right for my child?
Yes — Away West is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th 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 migration and hope, family and community, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Away West?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Away West takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Away West have an AR quiz?
Yes — Away West has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Away West?
Away West has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th 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.