Come Go with Me
Old-timer Stories from the Southern Mountains
by Roy Edwin Thomas
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 1994
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- community
- tradition
- family
- resilience
- hard work
- storytelling
- rural life
- change over time
About this book
This collection gathers firsthand stories from elders who grew up in the southern Appalachian Mountains, sharing what daily life was like before modern conveniences. In a warm, conversational voice, they recall school days, chores, home remedies, music, and mountain traditions. The short, vivid narratives make history feel close and personal, perfect for readers curious about how people lived and worked in earlier times. Kids enjoy the humor, honesty, and memorable voices of real people telling their own tales.
Setting: Southern Appalachian Mountains, early-to-mid 20th century rural communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Come Go with Me right for my child?
Yes — Come Go with Me is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 community, tradition, family.
How long does it take to read Come Go with Me?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Come Go with Me takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Come Go with Me have an AR quiz?
Yes — Come Go with Me has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Come Go with Me?
Come Go with Me has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.