Faraway home
by Jane Kurtz
Harcourt 2000
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family
- cultural identity
- immigration and heritage
- belonging
- homesickness
- storytelling
- father-daughter relationship
About this book
A young girl listens as her father shares vivid memories of his Ethiopian homeland, helping her imagine a place that is both far away and part of who she is. Through warm storytelling and luminous art, the book explores the feelings of belonging to two places at once. It’s a gentle, affirming read for families navigating multiple cultures and for classrooms discussing heritage and identity. Kids enjoy the close father-daughter bond and the rich details of daily life in another country.
Setting: contemporary United States with memories of Ethiopia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Faraway home right for my child?
Yes — Faraway home is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include family, cultural identity, immigration and heritage.
How long does it take to read Faraway home?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Faraway home takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Faraway home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Faraway home 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 Faraway home?
Faraway home has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.