When the soldiers were gone
by Vera W. Propp
Penguin 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and its aftermath
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family and belonging
- war and its aftermath
- Jewish heritage
- resilience
- memory and loss
- healing
- culture and religion
About this book
In the days just after World War II, a Dutch Jewish boy who spent the war hidden with a loving foster family is told he must return to the parents he can’t remember. Suddenly he has a different name, new expectations, and a faith and culture he barely knows. The story follows his confusion and bravery as he learns who he was, who he is, and how to belong again. Accessible and moving, it introduces younger readers to the aftermath of war through a child’s eyes.
Setting: the Netherlands, immediately after World War II (1945)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is When the soldiers were gone right for my child?
Yes — When the soldiers were gone is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, 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, war and its aftermath.
How long does it take to read When the soldiers were gone?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, When the soldiers were gone takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does When the soldiers were gone have an AR quiz?
Yes — When the soldiers were gone has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 When the soldiers were gone?
When the soldiers were gone has an AR reading level of 4, 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.