Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Amaterasu
Paul D. Storrie
Amaterasu
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Return of the Sun
Illustrated by Ron Randall
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.
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About This Book
Discover the vibrant tale of Amaterasu, the radiant sun goddess whose light brightens the world, and her stormy brother Susano, whose fierce temper brings challenges. This lively graphic novel brings ancient Japanese myths to life with colorful artwork and exciting storytelling. Perfect for young readers eager to explore fascinating legends and the power of family bonds.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 3-4 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Amaterasu C (Gentle)
Amaterasu is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 48 pages (approximately 2,144 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 4 and up can manage Amaterasu on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
Read aloud, Amaterasu takes about 14 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Amaterasu as C (Gentle) because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Amaterasu explores fantasy world-building, family, multicultural, and religious themes — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, family, multicultural.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 7 more books in the Graphic Myths and Legends series.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
C · GentleReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
8/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Graphic Myths and Legends Series
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Hercules
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Yu the Great
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Yu the Great
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Robin Hood
Paul D. Storrie
Robin Hood
Paul D. Storrie
Beowulf
Paul D. Storrie
Beowulf
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William Tell
Paul D. Storrie
William Tell
Paul D. Storrie
The Hero Twins
Dan Jolley
The Hero Twins
Dan Jolley
Perseus
Paul D. Storrie
Perseus
Paul D. Storrie
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0822559684
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Graphic Universe
- Published
- February 2007
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 2,144
- Read-Aloud
- ~14 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy