On the Horizon
by Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2022
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include war and its impact on civilians
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Genre
Themes
- war and its impact on civilians
- memory and remembrance
- empathy
- loss and grief
- peace and reconciliation
- history and reflection
- interconnected lives
- resilience
About this book
Lois Lowry offers a lyrical, accessible look at two pivotal World War II events—Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima—told in spare poems that center the lives of ordinary people. Drawing on her own childhood memories in Hawaii and Japan alongside careful research, she invites readers to reflect with empathy and curiosity. Kenard Pak’s evocative black-and-white art deepens the mood and brings history close without graphic detail. Ideal for thoughtful middle-grade readers and classrooms, it encourages discussion about war, memory, and our shared humanity.
Setting: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is On the Horizon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for On the Horizon. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 war and its impact on civilians, memory and remembrance, empathy.
How long does it take to read On the Horizon?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, On the Horizon takes around 21m to finish. The book has 3,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does On the Horizon have an AR quiz?
Yes — On the Horizon has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 On the Horizon?
On the Horizon has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.