Cuba in My Pocket
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- family separation
- identity and heritage
- resilience
- courage
- hope
- friendship
- belonging
About this book
Twelve-year-old Cumba is sent from Cuba to Florida alone after the Bay of Pigs, carrying only memories of home and hopes of reuniting with his family. In Miami, he must learn English, navigate school, and find his place while holding tight to his culture and courage. Based on the author’s family history, this heartfelt historical novel offers a kid’s-eye view of immigration and resilience. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven stories grounded in real history.
Setting: Cuba and Miami, early 1960s (post–Bay of Pigs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuba in My Pocket right for my child?
Yes — Cuba in My Pocket 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 immigration, family separation, identity and heritage.
How long does it take to read Cuba in My Pocket?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Cuba in My Pocket takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 66,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cuba in My Pocket have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cuba in My Pocket has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Cuba in My Pocket?
Cuba in My Pocket 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.