Storyteller's Beads
by Jane Kurtz
Scholastic Inc. 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship across differences
- courage
- refugees and displacement
- survival
- identity and heritage
- prejudice and empathy
- family
- storytelling
About this book
Two Ethiopian girls from very different backgrounds are forced to flee their homes and make a dangerous journey toward safety. Rahel, who is blind, clings to the stories and beads her grandmother gave her, while Sahay relies on courage and caution to survive the trek. As they travel through harsh landscapes and crowded refugee camps, the girls learn to trust each other and share the power of stories. This moving tale resonates with readers who enjoy survival journeys, cross-cultural friendship, and hopeful endings.
Setting: Ethiopia and Sudan, mid-1980s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Storyteller's Beads right for my child?
Yes — Storyteller's Beads is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 friendship across differences, courage, refugees and displacement.
How long does it take to read Storyteller's Beads?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Storyteller's Beads takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Storyteller's Beads have an AR quiz?
Yes — Storyteller's Beads has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Storyteller's Beads?
Storyteller's Beads has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.