Hands of the Rain Forest
The Emberá People of Panama
by Rachel Crandell
Macmillan 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- Indigenous identity and culture
- Traditional crafts and art
- Community and family life
- Connection to nature and sustainability
- Daily work and play
- Cultural preservation and respect
About this book
A photo-essay introduction to the Emberá people of Panama, highlighting their daily life, traditions, and close relationship with the rainforest. Through vivid photographs and clear text, the book explores community life, crafts such as basket weaving and carving, body painting, music, and the ways Emberá culture is sustained along Panama’s rainforest rivers.
Setting: Emberá villages in the rainforests of Panama
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hands of the Rain Forest right for my child?
Yes — Hands of the Rain Forest is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 Indigenous identity and culture, Traditional crafts and art, Community and family life.
How long does it take to read Hands of the Rain Forest?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hands of the Rain Forest takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,655 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hands of the Rain Forest have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hands of the Rain Forest has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Hands of the Rain Forest?
Hands of the Rain Forest has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.