Letters from Cuba
by Ruth Behar
Penguin 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- family bonds
- resilience
- cultural identity
- community
- prejudice and antisemitism
- hope
- entrepreneurship
About this book
In this epistolary historical novel, Esther leaves Poland to join her father in 1930s Cuba as danger for Jews in Europe grows. Through heartfelt letters to her sister, she chronicles building a new life, learning Spanish, and helping her father’s shop while dreaming of reuniting the family. The warm, diverse Cuban community offers friendship and challenges as Esther faces prejudice and discovers her own talents. Readers who enjoy stories of resilience, immigration, and strong family bonds will be drawn in.
Setting: rural Cuba on the eve of World War II (late 1930s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Letters from Cuba right for my child?
Yes — Letters from Cuba is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 immigration, family bonds, resilience.
How long does it take to read Letters from Cuba?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Letters from Cuba takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Letters from Cuba have an AR quiz?
Yes — Letters from Cuba has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Letters from Cuba?
Letters from Cuba has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.