A Wizard of Earthsea
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2012
Book 1 of Earthsea series
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- power and responsibility
- identity and self-discovery
- consequences of pride
- balance and harmony
- mentorship
- courage
- good vs. evil
About this book
A gifted village boy named Ged discovers his power for magic and travels to the Isle of Roke to train as a wizard. In his eagerness to prove himself, he unleashes a dark force and must learn wisdom, humility, and true strength to set things right. Rich world-building, a thoughtful magic system based on true names, and an adventurous island-hopping quest make this a classic. Perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful fantasy, magic school stories, and a hero’s journey.
Setting: the archipelago of Earthsea, including the wizard school on Roke and surrounding islands
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Wizard of Earthsea right for my child?
Yes — A Wizard of Earthsea is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.7, which is typical for 6th 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 coming of age, power and responsibility, identity and self-discovery.
How long does it take to read A Wizard of Earthsea?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, A Wizard of Earthsea takes around 5.4h to finish. The book has 56,600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Wizard of Earthsea have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Wizard of Earthsea has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Wizard of Earthsea?
A Wizard of Earthsea has an AR reading level of 6.7, which places it at a 6th 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.