Tsunami!
by Kimiko Kajikawa
Scholastic 2009
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- sacrifice
- community
- leadership
- responsibility
- respect for elders
- natural disasters
- wisdom
About this book
Based on a classic Japanese legend, this picture book follows an elder in a seaside village who senses danger in the strangely quiet sea and makes a brave choice to protect his neighbors. Kimiko Kajikawa’s lyrical text pairs with Ed Young’s dramatic collage art to create a powerful, suspenseful story. It invites conversations about leadership, community, and how people respond to natural disasters. Perfect for read-alouds with young listeners and early independent readers.
Setting: a coastal village in Japan, long ago
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tsunami! right for my child?
Yes — Tsunami! is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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 courage, sacrifice, community.
How long does it take to read Tsunami!?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Tsunami! takes around 7m to finish. The book has 980 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tsunami! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tsunami! 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 Tsunami!?
Tsunami! has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.