Red, white, and blue good-bye
by Sarah Wones Tomp
Walker & Co. 2005
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- military family life
- separation and coping
- resilience
- love and connection
- patriotism
- emotions
- family support
About this book
A young girl navigates the mix of pride and sadness when her parent prepares to leave for military deployment. Through everyday moments and small rituals, she learns ways to say goodbye and stay connected while apart. Gentle text and warm illustrations validate children’s feelings and offer comfort. Perfect for military families and anyone coping with separation.
Setting: contemporary United States, military base and home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red, white, and blue good-bye right for my child?
Yes — Red, white, and blue good-bye is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3, 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 military family life, separation and coping, resilience.
How long does it take to read Red, white, and blue good-bye?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Red, white, and blue good-bye takes around 5m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Red, white, and blue good-bye have an AR quiz?
Yes — Red, white, and blue good-bye 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 Red, white, and blue good-bye?
Red, white, and blue good-bye has an AR reading level of 3, 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.