Sword of the samurai
by Eric A. Kimmel
HarperTrophy 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- honor
- loyalty
- courage
- cleverness
- duty
- justice
- tradition vs. change
- perseverance
About this book
This collection gathers traditional Japanese samurai tales retold by master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel. Readers meet brave warriors, clever tricksters, and loyal retainers facing tests of honor, duty, and courage. The short, fast-paced stories are perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy legends, martial arts, and adventure. It’s an engaging window into feudal Japan that sparks curiosity about history and culture without overwhelming younger readers.
Setting: feudal Japan—castles, mountain temples, and battlefields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sword of the samurai right for my child?
Yes — Sword of the samurai is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 honor, loyalty, courage.
How long does it take to read Sword of the samurai?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Sword of the samurai takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sword of the samurai have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sword of the samurai has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Sword of the samurai?
Sword of the samurai has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.