Kiss the dust
Heinemann 1991
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include war and its impact on civilians
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Genre
Themes
- displacement and exile
- family bonds
- courage under adversity
- identity and belonging
- war and its impact on civilians
- hope and resilience
- cultural heritage
- human rights
About this book
When conflict erupts in Iraqi Kurdistan, a teenage girl and her family are forced to flee their home overnight. Their journey over mountains and through refugee camps tests their courage, hope, and sense of identity. Elizabeth Laird paints a vivid, compassionate portrait of the Kurdish people and the reality of becoming a refugee. This powerful, accessible read resonates with middle schoolers and up who enjoy true-to-life stories about resilience and family.
Setting: Kurdistan (northern Iraq) and refugee camps in Iran, early 1990s; later asylum in Britain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kiss the dust right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Kiss the dust. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include displacement and exile, family bonds, courage under adversity.
How long does it take to read Kiss the dust?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Kiss the dust takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kiss the dust have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kiss the dust has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Kiss the dust?
Kiss the dust has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.