Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice
Theme Paperbacks, Above-Level Grade 5 Theme 2 - Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Houghton Mifflin Company, Scott O'Dell
2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- resilience
- courage
- self-reliance
- connection to nature
- isolation
- identity
- hope
About this book
This classic survival story follows a Native American girl who must learn to live alone on a remote island off the coast of California. Through ingenuity and courage, she finds food, builds shelter, and forms a deep connection with the natural world. Ideal for upper elementary and middle school readers, it blends adventure with quiet reflection. Kids are drawn to the suspense, the strong, resilient heroine, and the vivid sense of place.
Setting: San Nicolas Island off the California coast, 19th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice right for my child?
Yes — Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 survival, resilience, courage.
How long does it take to read Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice takes around 4.1h to finish. The book has 40,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice have an AR quiz?
Yes — Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice 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 Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice?
Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.