A Great and Terrible Beauty
by Libba Bray
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2003
Gemma Doyle Trilogy
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.9 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity and self-discovery
- power and temptation
- grief and loss
- secrets and secret societies
- female empowerment
- conformity vs. independence
- magic and consequences
About this book
After a tragedy in India, sixteen-year-old Gemma Doyle is sent to a strict finishing school in Victorian England, where unsettling visions lead her to a secret society and a perilous magical realm. With new friends Felicity, Pippa, and Ann, Gemma tests the boundaries of power, privilege, and freedom. Gothic atmosphere, boarding-school drama, and fantasy blend into a page-turner that asks what it costs to belong. Perfect for teens who enjoy historical settings, mystery, and strong, complex heroines.
Setting: Victorian England in 1895—primarily a girls’ boarding school (Spence Academy), with glimpses of colonial India and a dangerous magical realm
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Great and Terrible Beauty right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Great and Terrible Beauty. The reading level is AR 5.9, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include friendship, identity and self-discovery, power and temptation.
How long does it take to read A Great and Terrible Beauty?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Great and Terrible Beauty takes around 11h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Great and Terrible Beauty have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Great and Terrible Beauty has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Great and Terrible Beauty?
A Great and Terrible Beauty has an AR reading level of 5.9, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.