Kira-kira
Thorndike Press 2008
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include prejudice and racism
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Genre
Themes
- family
- sisterhood
- coming of age
- prejudice and racism
- resilience
- hope
- immigrant experience
- grief and healing
About this book
Katie Takeshima grows up in a Japanese American family that moves to rural Georgia for factory work. Guided by her beloved older sister Lynn—who teaches her to see the world as kira-kira, or glittering—Katie navigates friendship, prejudice, and big changes at home. Told with warmth and honesty, this coming-of-age story explores family bonds and finding hope in hard times. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school readers who enjoy heartfelt, realistic stories.
Setting: rural Georgia, late 1950s–1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kira-kira right for my child?
Yes — Kira-kira is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 family, sisterhood, coming of age.
How long does it take to read Kira-kira?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Kira-kira takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kira-kira have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kira-kira 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 Kira-kira?
Kira-kira has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.