Kathleen, Please Come Home
by Scott O'Dell
Skyscape 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include substance abuse
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Genre
Themes
- family conflict
- runaways
- manipulation and control
- substance abuse
- survival
- identity and self-discovery
- trust and betrayal
- consequences and redemption
About this book
After a bitter argument with her mother, teenager Kathleen runs away and is drawn into a fast, risky world that seems glamorous at first but quickly turns frightening. As she struggles to survive, she must navigate manipulation, dangerous choices, and the pull of home. O’Dell’s realistic, compassionate storytelling makes the stakes feel immediate and real. A strong pick for mature teens who like contemporary stories about tough issues and resilience.
Setting: coastal California, late 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kathleen, Please Come Home right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Kathleen, Please Come Home. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include family conflict, runaways, manipulation and control.
How long does it take to read Kathleen, Please Come Home?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Kathleen, Please Come Home takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kathleen, Please Come Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kathleen, Please Come Home has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Kathleen, Please Come Home?
Kathleen, Please Come Home has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.