My heart is on the ground
by Ann Rinaldi
Scholastic 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- cultural identity
- assimilation and resistance
- friendship
- family and belonging
- resilience
- injustice
- hope
- self-discovery
About this book
Presented as the diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux girl sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in 1880, this Dear America novel follows her daily life far from home. Through Nannie’s private entries, readers see her struggle with homesickness, strict rules, and the pressure to abandon her language and traditions. Friendships, small acts of courage, and memories of family help her find strength. It’s a compelling historical story for middle-grade readers who enjoy diary formats and character-driven tales.
Setting: Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Pennsylvania, 1880s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My heart is on the ground right for my child?
Yes — My heart is on the ground 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 cultural identity, assimilation and resistance, friendship.
How long does it take to read My heart is on the ground?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, My heart is on the ground takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My heart is on the ground have an AR quiz?
Yes — My heart is on the ground has an AR quiz available, worth 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 heart is on the ground?
My heart is on the ground 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.