My Brother Is Away
by Sara Greenwood
Random House Studio 2022
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- separation and loss
- coping and resilience
- empathy
- hope
- grief and healing
- social justice
- sibling relationships
About this book
A young girl shares what it feels like to have an older brother who is in prison, remembering the joyful moments they shared and learning to live with his absence. Gentle, expressive art and simple, heartfelt text help children name big emotions like sadness, anger, and hope. This sensitive story opens space for conversations about incarceration, family separation, and empathy. Ideal for younger readers and families looking for a reassuring, age-appropriate way to talk about hard topics.
Setting: contemporary United States; family home, school, and prison visiting room
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Brother Is Away right for my child?
Yes — My Brother Is Away 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 family bonds, separation and loss, coping and resilience.
How long does it take to read My Brother Is Away?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, My Brother Is Away takes around 6m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Brother Is Away have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Brother Is Away 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 My Brother Is Away?
My Brother Is Away 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.