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A Gift of Ice book cover

A Gift of Ice

by James Dashner

Cedar Fort Publishing & Media 2023

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
190
Pages
7
AR Points
4.8h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • courage
  • good vs. evil
  • destiny and choice
  • friendship and loyalty
  • family
  • mystery and secrets
  • quests
  • pursuit and survival

About this book

After discovering a hidden door in the woods and receiving a mysterious first gift, Jimmy Fincher races to Japan to find the second before a ruthless enemy closes in. Strange warnings—“The Stompers are coming”—and shadowy pursuers turn his quest into a nonstop chase. Packed with puzzles, secret societies, and high-stakes magic, this fast-paced adventure keeps pages turning. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like contemporary fantasy, cliffhangers, and courageous heroes.

Setting: contemporary Japan and a small-town American woods, with hidden portals and secret societies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Gift of Ice right for my child?

Yes — A Gift of Ice is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, good vs. evil, destiny and choice.

How long does it take to read A Gift of Ice?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Gift of Ice takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does A Gift of Ice have an AR quiz?

Yes — A Gift of Ice has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 A Gift of Ice?

A Gift of Ice has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.