Kim/Kimi
by Hadley Irwin
Tandem Library 1987
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- identity
- cross-cultural understanding
- family and heritage
- belonging
- self-discovery
- mother-daughter relationships
- travel and place
- coming of age
About this book
Kim was born in Japan but raised in the American Midwest, and a summer trip to stay with family in Tokyo forces her to face the two halves of her identity—Kim in Iowa and Kimi in Japan. As she navigates language gaps, cultural expectations, and complicated family ties, she begins to understand where she fits. Thoughtful and character-driven, this coming-of-age story resonates with teens exploring heritage, belonging, and self-definition. It’s a strong pick for readers who enjoy realistic fiction about family and cross-cultural experiences.
Setting: small-town Midwest and Tokyo, contemporary 1980s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kim/Kimi right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Kim/Kimi. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, cross-cultural understanding, family and heritage.
How long does it take to read Kim/Kimi?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Kim/Kimi takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kim/Kimi have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kim/Kimi has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Kim/Kimi?
Kim/Kimi has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.