Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran
by Kenneth Thomasma
Baker Book House 1987
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- freedom
- perseverance
- identity and culture
- friendship and loyalty
- self-reliance
- hope
About this book
Based on a true story, Naya Nuki is a Shoshone girl taken captive with her friend Sacajawea and carried far from her mountain home. Using survival skills taught by her people, she bravely plans an escape and begins a long, dangerous journey across the plains and mountains. The story blends action, nature, and Native traditions in a fast-moving, accessible style. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy survival adventures and historical tales of courage.
Setting: Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains, early 1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran right for my child?
Yes — Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 survival, courage, freedom.
How long does it take to read Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran takes around 3.4h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran have an AR quiz?
Yes — Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran 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 Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran?
Naya Nuki, Girl Who Ran has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.