Stars of the Night
The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport
by Caren Stelson
Carolrhoda Books ® 2023
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and persecution
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- refugees and displacement
- resilience
- family and separation
- kindness and altruism
- war and persecution
- hope
- survival
About this book
Told in the collective voice of children, this powerful picture book shares the true story of the Czech Kindertransport that brought hundreds of young people from Prague to safety in Britain on the eve of World War II. Lyrical text and striking art capture the fear of leaving home, the courage it took to travel into the unknown, and the kindness of strangers who helped along the way. It’s an accessible, age-appropriate introduction to Holocaust history and refugee experiences, ideal for classrooms and family discussions. Readers who love true stories of bravery and helpers in hard times will be moved and inspired.
Setting: Prague and Britain, late 1930s–1940s (World War II)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stars of the Night right for my child?
Yes — Stars of the Night is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, refugees and displacement, resilience.
How long does it take to read Stars of the Night?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Stars of the Night takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stars of the Night have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stars of the Night 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 Stars of the Night?
Stars of the Night has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.