On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide
by Joanna Ho
Scholastic Inc. 2023
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- art as activism
- freedom of expression
- courage
- empathy
- human rights
- resilience
- speaking up
- community
About this book
This lyrical picture-book biography introduces contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei and shows how his art speaks up for human rights. Joanna Ho’s poetic text and Cátia Chien’s evocative illustrations highlight key moments and installations that invite people to see, question, and care. Perfect for early elementary readers and classroom discussions, it shows how creativity can ripple into real-world change. Kids who love making art and standing up for others will find powerful inspiration here.
Setting: contemporary global settings, including China, Europe, and the sea
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include art as activism, freedom of expression, courage.
How long does it take to read On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide have an AR quiz?
Yes — On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide 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 On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide?
On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei's Art Is Changing the Tide has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.