Descendant of the Crane
by Joan He
Roaring Brook Press 2022
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- truth and justice
- power and corruption
- duty versus family
- betrayal
- identity and leadership
- law versus magic
- political intrigue
- moral ambiguity
About this book
After her father’s suspicious death, Princess Hesina of Yan is thrust onto the throne and into a tangle of court politics and hidden agendas. Desperate for the truth, she turns to outlawed soothsayers and a shrewd investigator, uncovering secrets that challenge everything she believes. This Chinese-inspired fantasy blends mystery, magic, and high-stakes intrigue with a morally complex heroine. Perfect for teens who enjoy twisty plots, lush worldbuilding, and questions of justice versus duty.
Setting: a Chinese-inspired kingdom (Yan), centered on the imperial court and capital city
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Descendant of the Crane right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Descendant of the Crane. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include truth and justice, power and corruption, duty versus family.
How long does it take to read Descendant of the Crane?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Descendant of the Crane takes around 11h to finish. The book has 113,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Descendant of the Crane have an AR quiz?
Yes — Descendant of the Crane has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Descendant of the Crane?
Descendant of the Crane has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.