We are witnesses
Jacob Boas
We are witnesses
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Five Diaries of Teenagers who Died in the Holocaust
by Jacob Boas
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
Five teenagers stood against one of history's darkest times and showed courage few could imagine. Their stories reveal how ordinary kids can shine with bravery and hope even in the worst moments. Discover why their witness still matters today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction explores the experiences of five Jewish teenagers during the Holocaust, highlighting their resilience and courage amid unimaginable adversity. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively portrays difficult themes of war and persecution without graphic content, making it an important introduction to this period. Parents should be aware that the book deals with heavy historical realities but does so in an age-appropriate and hopeful manner.
Why we rated We are witnesses 9ME
We are witnesses is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 196 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, We are witnesses works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate We are witnesses as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, We are witnesses explores holocaust, jewish history, coming of age, historical, and courage — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about holocaust, jewish history, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590844758
- Pages
- 196
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Nonfiction