Enemy Child
The Story of Norman Mineta, a Boy Imprisoned in a Japanese American Internment Camp During World War II
by Andrea Warren
Holiday House 2019
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- injustice and prejudice
- resilience
- family and community
- civil rights and democracy
- identity and belonging
- courage
- hope
- American history
About this book
Enemy Child is the true story of Norman Mineta, a Japanese American boy from San Jose whose life is upended after Pearl Harbor when his family is sent to the Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Through photographs, interviews, and clear narrative, Andrea Warren shows how Norm faces injustice with courage, family support, and the everyday comforts of baseball and Scouts. This compelling nonfiction biography is accessible for middle-grade readers and sparks important conversations about civil liberties and empathy. Kids are drawn to the vivid historical details, fast-paced chapters, and the resilience of an ordinary boy in extraordinary times.
Setting: San Jose, California, and Heart Mountain Relocation Center, Wyoming, during World War II (1940s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enemy Child right for my child?
Yes — Enemy Child is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.8, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include injustice and prejudice, resilience, family and community.
How long does it take to read Enemy Child?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Enemy Child takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Enemy Child have an AR quiz?
Yes — Enemy Child has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Enemy Child?
Enemy Child has an AR reading level of 6.8, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.