Run Away Home
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- cross-cultural understanding
- courage
- family and community
- prejudice and injustice
- identity
- resilience
About this book
In post–Reconstruction Alabama, an African American girl and her family shelter a young Apache boy who has escaped captivity. As the two children learn to trust one another, they confront fear, prejudice, and the dangers of a divided community. Rich historical detail and a fast-moving plot make this a compelling read for middle graders. Kids enjoy the friendship-at-the-heart story and the window into two cultures facing injustice.
Setting: rural Alabama, 1888 (post–Reconstruction era, near Apache prisoner-of-war encampments)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Run Away Home right for my child?
Yes — Run Away Home is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 friendship, cross-cultural understanding, courage.
How long does it take to read Run Away Home?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Run Away Home takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Run Away Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Run Away Home 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 Run Away Home?
Run Away Home has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.