Weedflower
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2006
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- friendship
- prejudice and discrimination
- resilience
- family
- displacement
- hope
- cultural understanding
About this book
After Pearl Harbor, twelve-year-old Sumiko and her Japanese American family are forced to leave their California flower farm for an internment camp in the Arizona desert. There, she finds strength in growing a small garden and in an unexpected friendship with a Mojave boy from a nearby reservation. This thoughtful historical novel explores identity, prejudice, and hope through a relatable, resilient heroine. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven stories and learning about important moments in history.
Setting: Southern California flower farm and the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona, early 1940s (World War II)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weedflower right for my child?
Yes — Weedflower is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 identity, friendship, prejudice and discrimination.
How long does it take to read Weedflower?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Weedflower takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Weedflower have an AR quiz?
Yes — Weedflower has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Weedflower?
Weedflower has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.