Turn homeward, Hannalee
by Patricia Beatty
Tandem Library 1984
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include injustice and war
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family
- perseverance
- survival
- resilience
- injustice and war
- loyalty
- hope
About this book
Twelve-year-old Hannalee Reed is a Georgia mill girl during the Civil War when Union troops seize the mills and ship workers north. Separated from her family, she vows to make the long, dangerous journey back home. Rich historical detail and a courageous, determined heroine make this a gripping read for middle-grade students. Kids enjoy the survival adventure, strong sense of place, and the triumph of hope and grit against the odds.
Setting: American South and Midwest during the Civil War (Roswell, Georgia to Indiana), 1864
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turn homeward, Hannalee right for my child?
Yes — Turn homeward, Hannalee is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, family, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Turn homeward, Hannalee?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Turn homeward, Hannalee takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Turn homeward, Hannalee have an AR quiz?
Yes — Turn homeward, Hannalee has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Turn homeward, Hannalee?
Turn homeward, Hannalee has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.