Steal Away Home
by Lois Ruby
Simon and Schuster 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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About this book
When Dana uncovers a skeleton hidden in the wall of her home, she also uncovers a dark secret that stretches back years. When twelve-year-old Dana Shannon starts to strip away wallpaper in her family’s old house, she’s unprepared for the surprise that awaits her. A hidden room—containing a human skeleton! How did such a thing get there? And why was the tiny room sealed up? With the help of a diary found in the room, Dana learns her house was once a station on the Underground Railroad. The young woman whose remains Dana discovered was Lizbet Charles, a conductor and former slave. As the scene shifts between Dana’s world and 1856, the story of the families that lived in the house unfolds. But as pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, one haunting question remains—why did Lizbet Charles die?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steal Away Home right for my child?
Yes — Steal Away Home 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 , meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade).
How long does it take to read Steal Away Home?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Steal Away Home takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,090 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Steal Away Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — Steal Away Home has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Steal Away Home?
Steal Away Home has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated — 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.