In the Land of Milk and Honey
Amistad 2012
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- migration
- family
- hope
- resilience
- American Dream
- cultural diversity
- journeys
- sense of place
About this book
A young girl boards a train from Oklahoma to California, dreaming of oceans, mountains, and a place where many cultures meet. Told in lyrical, first-person verse, the story captures the wonder and hope of starting fresh in a new land. Based on Joyce Carol Thomas’s own childhood journey in 1948, it offers a gentle window into American history for young readers. Families will enjoy the musical language, vivid imagery, and uplifting sense of possibility.
Setting: a train journey from Oklahoma to California, 1948 (post–World War II America; West Coast)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is In the Land of Milk and Honey right for my child?
Yes — In the Land of Milk and Honey is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include migration, family, hope.
How long does it take to read In the Land of Milk and Honey?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, In the Land of Milk and Honey takes around 6m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does In the Land of Milk and Honey have an AR quiz?
Yes — In the Land of Milk and Honey has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 In the Land of Milk and Honey?
In the Land of Milk and Honey has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.