Journey Home
Simon and Schuster 1992
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- prejudice and discrimination
- family
- identity
- injustice
- community
- hope
- homecoming and rebuilding
About this book
In this powerful sequel to Journey to Topaz, Yuki and her family return to Berkeley after World War II, determined to rebuild their lives after incarceration. They face prejudice, loss, and uncertainty as they search for home and community again. Clear, compassionate writing brings an important chapter of American history to young readers. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy family stories, history, and resilient characters.
Setting: Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay Area, 1945–1946
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Journey Home right for my child?
Yes — Journey Home is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th 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 resilience, prejudice and discrimination, family.
How long does it take to read Journey Home?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Journey Home takes around 3.4h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Journey Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Journey Home has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Journey Home?
Journey Home has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th 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.