Young Fu of the upper Yangtze
Henry Holt and Co. 2016
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- apprenticeship and craftsmanship
- integrity and honesty
- tradition vs. modernization
- resilience
- courage
- family and responsibility
- mentorship
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Young Fu leaves his rural village for bustling Chungking and becomes apprenticed to a master coppersmith. As he learns his trade, he navigates city life, warlords, and the push and pull between tradition and modern change in 1920s China. Episodic adventures and a strong mentor relationship show how hard work, honesty, and courage shape his path. Great for readers who enjoy rich historical settings and a resilient, hardworking hero.
Setting: Chungking (Chongqing), China, late 1920s–early 1930s along the Upper Yangtze River
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Young Fu of the upper Yangtze right for my child?
Yes — Young Fu of the upper Yangtze is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th 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 coming of age, apprenticeship and craftsmanship, integrity and honesty.
How long does it take to read Young Fu of the upper Yangtze?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Young Fu of the upper Yangtze takes around 7.2h to finish. The book has 76,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Young Fu of the upper Yangtze have an AR quiz?
Yes — Young Fu of the upper Yangtze has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Young Fu of the upper Yangtze?
Young Fu of the upper Yangtze has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th 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.