Home to Medicine Mountain
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2002
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- brotherhood
- resilience
- identity
- cultural heritage
- freedom
- hope
- journey
About this book
Based on a true story, this picture book follows two Maidu brothers sent to a government-run boarding school far from their California home. Longing for family and familiar mountains, they find strength in each other and in the traditions they carry within. Poetic text and evocative paintings share a gentle, age-appropriate look at a difficult chapter in history. Ideal for thoughtful readers who enjoy real-life journeys and stories about family and cultural roots.
Setting: Stewart Indian School in Nevada and California’s Sierra Nevada, early 20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home to Medicine Mountain right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Home to Medicine Mountain. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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 family bonds, brotherhood, resilience.
How long does it take to read Home to Medicine Mountain?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Home to Medicine Mountain takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Home to Medicine Mountain have an AR quiz?
Yes — Home to Medicine Mountain 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 Home to Medicine Mountain?
Home to Medicine Mountain has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.