Sachiko
A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story
by Caren Stelson
Carolrhoda Books ® 2023
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Themes include war and its consequences
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- resilience
- war and its consequences
- grief and healing
- family
- remembrance
- peace and activism
- forgiveness
About this book
This powerful nonfiction book shares the true story of Sachiko Yasui, who survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki at age six. Through careful research and interviews, the author follows Sachiko’s life before, during, and after the bombing, highlighting her resilience and her later commitment to peace. It’s written for older middle-grade and young teen readers, offering clear, accessible history alongside a deeply human story. Students are drawn to its moving firsthand perspective, historical photos, and messages of hope and courage.
Setting: Nagasaki, Japan during and after World War II (1945 and the postwar years)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sachiko right for my child?
Yes — Sachiko is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include survival, resilience, war and its consequences.
How long does it take to read Sachiko?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Sachiko takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sachiko have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sachiko has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Sachiko?
Sachiko has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.