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I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 book cover

I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941

by Lauren Tarshis

Scholastic Inc. 2011

★★★★★

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

Themes include war and conflict

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
115
Pages
2
AR Points
1.7h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • survival
  • courage
  • resilience
  • family
  • war and conflict
  • friendship
  • hope
  • historical events

About this book

A boy’s ordinary morning in Honolulu turns terrifying when the attack on Pearl Harbor begins, and he must rely on courage and quick thinking to make it through the chaos. Fast-paced chapters and vivid details put readers right in the middle of a pivotal moment in history, told through a kid’s eyes. Ideal for grades 3–6, it blends action with accessible historical context and engaging back matter. Kids enjoy the suspense, short chapters, and the way it makes real events feel immediate and meaningful.

Setting: Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; December 1941 (World War II)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 right for my child?

Yes — I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th 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 survival, courage, resilience.

How long does it take to read I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 have an AR quiz?

Yes — I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 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 I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941?

I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th 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.