Daniel's story
by Carol Matas
Scholastic 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- family
- identity
- prejudice and intolerance
- resistance
- hope
- memory
- resilience
About this book
Told through the eyes of a Jewish boy in Nazi Europe, Daniel’s Story follows his family as prejudice turns to persecution and survival becomes a daily struggle. Daniel uses his camera and keen observations to record what is happening around him, finding strength in memories, friendship, and quiet acts of resistance. The book offers an age-appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for middle-grade readers, balancing honesty with care. Students are drawn to its immediacy, relatable voice, and the way it invites empathy and reflection.
Setting: Nazi Germany and occupied Poland (Lodz Ghetto, Auschwitz), 1933–1945
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daniel's story right for my child?
Yes — Daniel's story is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include survival, family, identity.
How long does it take to read Daniel's story?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Daniel's story takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Daniel's story have an AR quiz?
Yes — Daniel's story has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Daniel's story?
Daniel's story has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.