Escape from Warsaw
1972
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and displacement
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Genre
Themes
- family and loyalty
- courage
- resilience
- war and displacement
- hope
- friendship
- survival
- trust
About this book
Set in World War II Europe, this classic follows three Polish siblings and a streetwise boy as they journey from war-ravaged Warsaw to Switzerland in search of their parents. Guided by a small silver sword and big hope, they face danger, hunger, and hard choices. The story balances suspense and heart, showing how courage and kindness can shine in dark times. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical adventures and stories of family resilience.
Setting: war-torn Poland and across Europe to Switzerland, 1940s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Escape from Warsaw right for my child?
Yes — Escape from Warsaw is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 family and loyalty, courage, resilience.
How long does it take to read Escape from Warsaw?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Escape from Warsaw takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Escape from Warsaw have an AR quiz?
Yes — Escape from Warsaw has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Escape from Warsaw?
Escape from Warsaw has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.