Goin' Someplace Special
With Audio Recording
by Patricia C. McKissack
Simon and Schuster 2014
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- segregation and civil rights
- courage
- perseverance
- identity and belonging
- community support
- hope
- independence
About this book
Set in the segregated South of the 1950s, this picture book follows a determined girl as she navigates an unwelcoming city to reach a place where everyone is treated with dignity. Along the way, she faces unfair rules and unkind looks, but also finds strength in her family’s encouragement and her own courage. Rich, expressive artwork pairs with warm, accessible prose to introduce young readers to history and empathy. Perfect for conversations about fairness, resilience, and finding safe, welcoming spaces.
Setting: a segregated Southern U.S. city in the 1950s (inspired by Nashville, Tennessee)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goin' Someplace Special right for my child?
Yes — Goin' Someplace Special 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 segregation and civil rights, courage, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Goin' Someplace Special?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Goin' Someplace Special takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Goin' Someplace Special have an AR quiz?
Yes — Goin' Someplace Special 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 Goin' Someplace Special?
Goin' Someplace Special 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.