Coming to America
by Betsy Maestro, Susannah Ryan
Scholastic 1996
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- diversity
- family heritage
- identity
- perseverance
- community
- hope
- the American Dream
About this book
This clear, richly illustrated nonfiction picture book traces the history of immigration to the United States—from early settlers to newcomers today—and explains why people came and how they helped shape the nation. Betsy Maestro’s accessible text and Susannah Ryan’s detailed art make complex ideas easy to grasp for elementary readers. It’s a strong choice for units on U.S. history, social studies, and family heritage, inviting kids to make connections to their own stories. Engaging visuals and real-world context keep readers curious and inspired.
Setting: United States across multiple eras of immigration, from early settlement to modern day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coming to America right for my child?
Yes — Coming to America is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 immigration, diversity, family heritage.
How long does it take to read Coming to America?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Coming to America takes around 18m to finish. The book has 3,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Coming to America have an AR quiz?
Yes — Coming to America 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 Coming to America?
Coming to America has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.