Black ships and rising sun, the opening ofJapan to the West

John G. Roberts

Cover of Black ships and rising sun, the opening ofJapan to the West

Black ships and rising sun, the opening ofJapan to the West

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by John G. Roberts

Reading Level 4-5 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

Find on Amazon

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The sharp clang of cannon fire echoes across the misty harbor as strange, black ships cut through calm waters. Salt air and smoke fill the breeze, carrying the promise of change to the quiet shores of Japan. What will happen when two very different worlds collide in this moment of history?

Themes

HistoricalAdventureCultural EncounterUnited States Naval Expedition to JapanJapan History

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction book explores Commodore Perry's 1854 expedition that ended Japan's period of isolation. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces readers to significant events in Japanese and American history with accessible language. The story includes themes of cultural encounter and change but contains no graphic content, making it appropriate for middle-grade readers.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

Commodore Matthew Perry and the Perry Expedition to Japan

David G. Wittner

Cover of Commodore Matthew Perry and the Perry Expedition to Japan

Commodore Matthew Perry and the Perry Expedition to Japan

David G. Wittner

Level 8 Gentle

Pearl Harbor

Richard Tames

Cover of Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Richard Tames

Level 7 Moderate

Samurai: Japan's Noble Servant-Warriors

Blake Hoena

Cover of Samurai: Japan's Noble Servant-Warriors

Samurai: Japan's Noble Servant-Warriors

Blake Hoena

Level 4 Mild

John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea

Scott Waldman

Cover of John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea

John Paul Jones, Victory at Sea

Scott Waldman

Level 2 Mild

Code-Name Downfall

Thomas B. Allen

Cover of Code-Name Downfall

Code-Name Downfall

Thomas B. Allen

Level 7 Moderate

Samurai

Christine Heppermann

Cover of Samurai

Samurai

Christine Heppermann

Level 5 Gentle
See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

191 pages
ISBN
0671324411
Pages
191
Publisher
Julian Messner
Published
1971
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Japan

Subjects

United States Naval Expedition to Japan, 1852-1854JapanRestoration,1853-1870Meiji Period, 1868-1912Restoration, 1853-1870United States Naval Expedition to Japan

Places

Japan