I Want to Go Home!
Scholastic 1984
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- rebellion vs. rules
- ingenuity
- independence
- identity and belonging
- humor and mischief
- perseverance
About this book
Rudy Miller is a brilliant, stubborn kid who’s determined to hate every second of summer camp—and escape it if he can. With deadpan humor and endless schemes, he teams up with a like‑minded camper to outsmart counselors and every rule in their path. The pranks and one‑liners keep the pace zippy, while the camp setting feels instantly familiar to kids. Perfect for readers who enjoy clever humor, underdog heroes, and stories about finding your people in unexpected places.
Setting: a boys’ summer camp on a remote island, contemporary (1980s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Want to Go Home! right for my child?
Yes — I Want to Go Home! 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 friendship, rebellion vs. rules, ingenuity.
How long does it take to read I Want to Go Home!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Want to Go Home! takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Want to Go Home! have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Want to Go Home! 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 I Want to Go Home!?
I Want to Go Home! 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.