Desert Diary
Japanese American Kids Behind Barbed Wire
Charlesbridge Publishing 2020
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- injustice
- identity
- community
- civil rights
- family
- hope
- perseverance
About this book
This nonfiction book uses a real third-grade classroom diary from the Topaz War Relocation Center in Utah to show what daily life was like for Japanese American children during World War II. Archival photos, student drawings, and clear narrative text make history feel close and personal without being overwhelming. It’s a strong choice for upper-elementary and middle-grade readers studying WWII, civil rights, or primary sources. Kids are drawn to the authentic voices of children their own age and the powerful message of resilience and community.
Setting: Topaz War Relocation Center, Utah, during World War II (1942–1945)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desert Diary right for my child?
Yes — Desert Diary is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th 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 resilience, injustice, identity.
How long does it take to read Desert Diary?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Desert Diary takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Desert Diary have an AR quiz?
Yes — Desert Diary has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Desert Diary?
Desert Diary has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th 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.