Hope's crossing
by Joan E. Goodman
Scholastic 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- family
- courage
- survival
- friendship
- coming of age
- frontier life
- hope
About this book
Set on the American frontier, this historical novel follows young Hope as her family joins a wagon train bound for a new life out West. Along the trail she faces swollen river crossings, dust storms, illness, and hard choices that test her grit and compassion. As Hope learns the skills of trail life, she also discovers her own strength and the importance of community. Readers who enjoy survival adventures and rich historical detail will be drawn to Hope’s journey.
Setting: the Oregon Trail and American West, 1840s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hope's crossing right for my child?
Yes — Hope's crossing is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 perseverance, family, courage.
How long does it take to read Hope's crossing?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hope's crossing takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hope's crossing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hope's crossing has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Hope's crossing?
Hope's crossing has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.