John White's lost colony
by Kiyomi Hirigashi
Harcourt 2007
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- exploration
- mystery
- colonization
- leadership
- perseverance
- community
- problem-solving
- history and inquiry
About this book
This short nonfiction reader introduces John White and the mystery of the Roanoke colony. Simple text and supportive visuals explain why the settlers came, what John White found when he returned, and the clues that sparked centuries of questions. It’s a great fit for elementary students studying early American history and for kids who love real-life mysteries. The concise format and clear explanations make it approachable for developing readers.
Setting: Roanoke Island on the coast of present-day North Carolina, late 1500s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John White's lost colony right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for John White's lost colony. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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 exploration, mystery, colonization.
How long does it take to read John White's lost colony?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, John White's lost colony takes around 4m to finish. The book has 600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does John White's lost colony have an AR quiz?
Yes — John White's lost colony 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 John White's lost colony?
John White's lost colony has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.