Paint The Wind
Scholastic Inc. 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family
- grief and healing
- courage
- independence
- connection with animals
- trust
- self-discovery
About this book
After years of living under her strict grandmother’s rules in California, Maya is sent to Wyoming to stay with relatives she’s never met. There, in wide-open country, she discovers family stories, a love for horses, and a courage she didn’t know she had. Told in part through the perspective of a wild mare, the story weaves together girl and horse as their paths edge closer. Perfect for animal lovers and fans of heartfelt adventures, it’s a story about finding your voice and where you belong.
Setting: contemporary Wyoming ranch country and Pasadena, California
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paint The Wind right for my child?
Yes — Paint The Wind 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 identity, family, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Paint The Wind?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Paint The Wind takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Paint The Wind have an AR quiz?
Yes — Paint The Wind has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Paint The Wind?
Paint The Wind 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.