Desperate Journey
by Jim Murphy, Murphy, Jim
Scholastic Press 2006
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- family loyalty
- courage
- injustice
- survival
- responsibility
- resourcefulness
- hope
About this book
Set along the Erie Canal in the mid-1800s, this historical adventure follows a brave girl and her younger brother who must deliver their family’s cargo boat after hardship strikes. Facing dangerous weather, canal bullies, and unfair adults, the siblings rely on grit and quick thinking to keep going. Jim Murphy blends rich historical detail with a fast-moving plot, giving readers a vivid look at canal life and the challenges immigrant families faced. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy survival, history, and strong, determined characters.
Setting: Erie Canal, upstate New York, mid-1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperate Journey right for my child?
Yes — Desperate Journey is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 perseverance, family loyalty, courage.
How long does it take to read Desperate Journey?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Desperate Journey takes around 6.6h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Desperate Journey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Desperate Journey has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Desperate Journey?
Desperate Journey has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.