Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated)

About this book

Shen of the Sea is a collection of short stories written by Arthur Bowie Chrisman. It was first published by Dutton in 1925, illustrated with more than 50 silhouettes by Else Hasselriis. Chrisman won the 1926 Newbery Medal for the work, recognizing the previous year's "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children".The original title page shows subtitle A Book for Children[1] and one early dustjacket shows Chinese Stories for Children. Both subtitles have been used for later editions.Chrisman's 16 original stories are written in the style of humorous Chinese folk tales. The title story tells of a king who tries to match wits with the demons of the water in order to save his city from a flood. Other tales relate the origin of chopsticks, and an instance when mud pies a

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See all books like Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated)→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Children's Literature title, typically at grades 3–7. Written in the 1920s; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Newbery Medal

  • recommended·3rd gradesource: Newbery Medal (American Library Association), via Wikipedia — 1926 Newbery Medal winner
  • recommended·4th gradesource: Newbery Medal (American Library Association), via Wikipedia — 1926 Newbery Medal winner
  • recommended·5th gradesource: Newbery Medal (American Library Association), via Wikipedia — 1926 Newbery Medal winner
  • recommended·6th gradesource: Newbery Medal (American Library Association), via Wikipedia — 1926 Newbery Medal winner
  • recommended·7th gradesource: Newbery Medal (American Library Association), via Wikipedia — 1926 Newbery Medal winner

Common questions

What grade level is Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated)?

Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated) is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–7. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated)?

It takes about 2h 25m to read Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated) (132 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 145 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated)?

Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated) appears on reading lists for Newbery Medal. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated) banned in schools?

Shen of the Sea Book (Illustrated) does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.