Suitcase
Amistad/HarperTrophy 2006
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family and belonging
- resilience
- new beginnings
- friendship
- self-reliance
- community support
About this book
After a sudden change at home, a middle-schooler arrives in a new place with only a worn suitcase and big questions about belonging. Navigating a new school and neighborhood, they slowly build trust, find their voice, and discover what family and home can mean. Mildred Pitts Walter’s clear, compassionate storytelling makes this a quick, heartfelt read. It’s well-suited for upper elementary and early middle school readers who enjoy realistic stories about resilience and finding one’s place.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood in the United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suitcase right for my child?
Yes — Suitcase is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 identity, family and belonging, resilience.
How long does it take to read Suitcase?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Suitcase takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 19,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Suitcase have an AR quiz?
Yes — Suitcase has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Suitcase?
Suitcase has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.