The Long Way Westward
by Joan Sandin
Harper Collins 1992
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- immigration
- family
- perseverance
- hope
- adaptation
- community
- journey
- new beginnings
About this book
In this early chapter book, Swedish immigrant Carl Erik and his family leave crowded New York City to seek a better life on a Minnesota farm. Readers follow their journey by train and wagon, meeting new people and facing small challenges along the way. Clear sentences, historical details, and inviting illustrations make the past feel close and real. It’s a great choice for young readers who like true-to-life adventures and stories about family and starting fresh.
Setting: New York City and the Minnesota prairie, late 19th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Long Way Westward right for my child?
Yes — The Long Way Westward is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, 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 immigration, family, perseverance.
How long does it take to read The Long Way Westward?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Long Way Westward takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Long Way Westward have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Long Way Westward 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 The Long Way Westward?
The Long Way Westward has an AR reading level of 3.5, 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.