Gold dust
HarperCollins 2000
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity and belonging
- assimilation and culture clash
- obsession and passion
- loyalty
- peer pressure
- sportsmanship
- coming of age
About this book
In 1970s Boston, baseball-obsessed Richard Riley Moncrief is determined to turn his new classmate from Dominica into a Red Sox fan and a true ballplayer. As Riley mentors Napoleon Charlie in the language of Boston, the rhythms of the city, and the magic of Fenway, the boys navigate culture shock, teasing, and the pressure to fit in. Their growing friendship is tested by Riley’s single-minded obsession with the game and what it means to be a winner. This is a sharp, funny, and heartfelt story for sports fans and realistic-fiction readers who enjoy strong voices and big-hearted friendships.
Setting: Boston (Dorchester and Fenway Park), mid-1970s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold dust right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Gold dust. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, identity and belonging, assimilation and culture clash.
How long does it take to read Gold dust?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gold dust takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gold dust have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gold dust 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 Gold dust?
Gold dust has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.