Eyes of the emperor
Random House Children's Books 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- prejudice and discrimination
- courage
- identity and belonging
- loyalty
- injustice
- resilience
- friendship
- patriotism
About this book
Japanese American teen Eddy Okubo lies about his age to enlist after Pearl Harbor, eager to prove his loyalty to the United States. Instead, he’s sent to a secret program where soldiers test attack dogs on Japanese American volunteers—an assignment that forces him to confront prejudice, fear, and courage. Based on real historical events, the story blends action with moral questions in a tense World War II setting. It’s a strong pick for readers who like history, grit, and heroes who stand up for what’s right.
Setting: Hawaiʻi and Cat Island, Mississippi, during World War II (early 1940s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eyes of the emperor right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Eyes of the emperor. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 prejudice and discrimination, courage, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read Eyes of the emperor?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Eyes of the emperor takes around 6.3h to finish. The book has 57,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Eyes of the emperor have an AR quiz?
Yes — Eyes of the emperor has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Eyes of the emperor?
Eyes of the emperor has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.