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I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) book cover

I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)

by Lauren Tarshis

Scholastic Inc. 2025

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
115
Pages
2
AR Points
1.6h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • survival
  • resilience
  • family
  • courage
  • migration and prejudice
  • environmental disaster
  • hope
  • community

About this book

Set amid the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, this fast-paced survival story follows a boy and his family as relentless "black blizzards" threaten their farm and future. Readers see the grit and resourcefulness it takes to face dust storms, drought, and tough choices about leaving home. With short chapters, vivid danger, and rich historical detail, it’s perfect for fans of action-packed historical fiction. Kids love how the I Survived series drops them into real events while keeping the focus on courage, family, and hope.

Setting: southern Great Plains (Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle), 1935 Dust Bowl

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) right for my child?

Yes — I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 survival, resilience, family.

How long does it take to read I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) have an AR quiz?

Yes — I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25)?

I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 (I Survived #25) has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.