A boy of Heart Mountain
Barbara Bazaldua
A boy of Heart Mountain
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Story Inspired by the Experiences of Shigeru Yabu
by Barbara Bazaldua
Illustrated by Ito, Willy, illustrator
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be taken from your home and sent far away during a war? Imagine facing fear and uncertainty while trying to hold onto hope and grow up strong. What secrets will a boy at Heart Mountain discover about courage and friendship?
Quick Assessment
'A Boy of Heart Mountain' is a historical middle-grade novel inspired by the true experiences of Japanese American children incarcerated in WWII concentration camps. It thoughtfully explores themes of resilience, identity, and injustice appropriate for ages 9-12, with sensitive treatment of difficult historical events including forced relocation and imprisonment. Parents should note the book handles wartime hardship and prejudice but presents a hopeful story of personal growth.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 3 — ModerateReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780578053424
- Pages
- 145
- Publisher
- Yabitoon Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction