When Africa was Home
Scholastic Inc. 1994
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- belonging
- homesickness
- cultural identity
- family
- friendship
- change and adaptation
- memory and nostalgia
About this book
A young boy who once lived happily in a warm African village struggles to adjust when his family moves back to the United States. He misses the open skies, friends, and freedom he knew, and longs to feel at home again. Lyrical text and luminous artwork capture the emotions of homesickness and the comfort of cherished memories. Perfect for younger readers navigating big moves or cultural transitions.
Setting: an African village and a contemporary U.S. town
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When Africa was Home right for my child?
Yes — When Africa was Home is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, 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 belonging, homesickness, cultural identity.
How long does it take to read When Africa was Home?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, When Africa was Home takes around 7m to finish. The book has 980 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does When Africa was Home have an AR quiz?
Yes — When Africa was Home 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 When Africa was Home?
When Africa was Home has an AR reading level of 3.4, 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.