Going North
Melanie Kroupa Books 2004
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Themes include racism and prejudice
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Genre
Themes
- family
- migration
- hope
- racism and prejudice
- resilience
- new beginnings
- courage
- belonging
About this book
A young girl and her family leave their Alabama home and head to Nebraska, hoping for better jobs, schools, and a safer future. Told in lyrical, child-friendly voice, the story captures the excitement and worry of a long journey into the unknown during the Great Migration. Warm, expressive artwork and vivid details help readers feel the miles pass and the family’s hopes grow. It’s a reassuring read for children facing big changes or new places.
Setting: from rural Alabama to Nebraska during the Great Migration, early 1960s; primarily on the road
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Going North right for my child?
Yes — Going North 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, migration, hope.
How long does it take to read Going North?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Going North takes around 6m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Going North have an AR quiz?
Yes — Going North 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 Going North?
Going North 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.