Goodbye, Vietnam
Random House 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- immigration and refugees
- family
- courage
- resilience
- identity
- hope
- cultural adjustment
About this book
Mai and her family make a dangerous escape from Vietnam, crossing the sea to a refugee camp and, eventually, a new life in America. Told through Mai’s eyes, the story highlights the fear, hope, and small acts of bravery that carry them forward. Readers see what it’s like to leave everything behind and start over in a new country and language. It’s a compelling, accessible read for middle graders who enjoy realistic stories about resilience and family.
Setting: rural Vietnam, the South China Sea, a Hong Kong refugee camp, and the United States; late 1970s–early 1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goodbye, Vietnam right for my child?
Yes — Goodbye, Vietnam is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 immigration and refugees, family, courage.
How long does it take to read Goodbye, Vietnam?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Goodbye, Vietnam takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Goodbye, Vietnam have an AR quiz?
Yes — Goodbye, Vietnam has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Goodbye, Vietnam?
Goodbye, Vietnam has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.