The Long Road Home
1998
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include healing from trauma
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Genre
Themes
- healing from trauma
- resilience
- faith and doubt
- forbidden love
- identity and self-worth
- forgiveness
- found family
- second chances
About this book
After a brutal childhood, Gabriella Harrison finds refuge in a New York convent, where quiet routine begins to heal old wounds. Her world shifts when she meets Joe Connors, a young priest wrestling with his own doubts and dreams. Their connection forces both to confront faith, identity, and the courage it takes to start over. A mature, emotionally intense story for older teens who appreciate character-driven dramas about resilience and hope.
Setting: United States, primarily New York City and other East Coast locations, late 20th century; convent and urban settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Long Road Home right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Long Road Home. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include healing from trauma, resilience, faith and doubt.
How long does it take to read The Long Road Home?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Long Road Home takes around 16h to finish. The book has 155,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Long Road Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Long Road Home has an AR quiz available, worth 23 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 The Long Road Home?
The Long Road Home has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.