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Migrant book cover

Migrant

by Maxine Trottier

Groundwood Books 2011

★★★★☆

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
40
Pages
0.5
AR Points
6m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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New York Times Best Illustrated Children's BookGovernor General's Literary Award finalist

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • migration
  • family
  • belonging
  • identity
  • imagination
  • empathy
  • cultural heritage
  • resilience

About this book

This gentle picture book follows a young Mennonite girl whose family migrates seasonally from Mexico to Canada to work on farms. Through vivid metaphors and imaginative comparisons to animals on the move, she makes sense of a life that is always changing. The warm, lyrical text and evocative art invite readers to see the world through her eyes and feel the pull of home and belonging. Perfect for early elementary readers and families looking to discuss migration, identity, and empathy.

Setting: seasonal farm communities in rural Canada (Ontario), present day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Migrant right for my child?

Yes — Migrant is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include migration, family, belonging.

How long does it take to read Migrant?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Migrant takes around 6m to finish. The book has 750 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Migrant have an AR quiz?

Yes — Migrant has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Migrant?

Migrant has an AR reading level of 3.2, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.