Yellow Star
by Jennifer Roy
Two Lions 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include war and remembrance
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- family
- courage
- hope
- identity
- prejudice and antisemitism
- resilience
- war and remembrance
About this book
Told in spare, powerful free verse, Yellow Star follows Syvia, a Jewish girl surviving with her family in the Łódź Ghetto during World War II. Based on the true childhood experiences of the author’s aunt, the story highlights small acts of courage, love, and hope in the darkest of times. Its accessible poems make a difficult history understandable for middle-grade readers while honoring the real people behind it. A moving choice for students ready to learn about the Holocaust with sensitivity and care.
Setting: Łódź Ghetto, Poland, 1939–1945
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yellow Star right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Yellow Star. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th 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, family, courage.
How long does it take to read Yellow Star?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Yellow Star takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 19,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Yellow Star have an AR quiz?
Yes — Yellow Star has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Yellow Star?
Yellow Star has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th 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.