Journey to America
Maxwell Macmillan International 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- courage
- immigration and refugees
- persecution and prejudice
- resilience
- hope
- identity
- survival
About this book
When the Platt family flees Nazi Germany, they are forced to split up and navigate an uncertain path through Switzerland and on to the United States. Eleven-year-old Lisa must find courage and resourcefulness as she adapts to new languages, new schools, and life far from home. This moving historical novel highlights the resilience of refugees and the strength of family bonds. It’s a compelling read for middle graders who enjoy true-to-life stories about survival and hope.
Setting: Nazi Germany, Switzerland, and the United States in the late 1930s–early 1940s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Journey to America right for my child?
Yes — Journey to America is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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, courage, immigration and refugees.
How long does it take to read Journey to America?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Journey to America takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Journey to America have an AR quiz?
Yes — Journey to America 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 to America?
Journey to America has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.