Ida Early Comes over the Mountain
by Robert Burch
Peter Smith Pub Inc 1990
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- resilience
- community
- poverty and hard times
- responsibility
- humor
- storytelling
- hope
About this book
In Depression-era Georgia, the Sutton family is struggling when a larger-than-life woman named Ida Early arrives to help out. With her tall tales, humor, and can-do spirit, Ida turns everyday troubles into adventures and gives the children new ways to see hard times. This warm, funny story is great for readers in grades 4–6 who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with heart. Kids love Ida’s storytelling, Southern setting, and the blend of laughter and tenderness.
Setting: rural Georgia mountains, 1930s (Great Depression)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ida Early Comes over the Mountain right for my child?
Yes — Ida Early Comes over the Mountain is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 family, resilience, community.
How long does it take to read Ida Early Comes over the Mountain?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Ida Early Comes over the Mountain takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ida Early Comes over the Mountain have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ida Early Comes over the Mountain has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Ida Early Comes over the Mountain?
Ida Early Comes over the Mountain has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.