A World Without Heroes
by Brandon Mull
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship
- resistance to tyranny
- identity and destiny
- teamwork
- sacrifice
- hope against overwhelming odds
- power of words and knowledge
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Jason Walker is swept from our world into Lyrian, a land ruled by a ruthless wizard-emperor. Teaming up with Rachel and a band of rebels, he embarks on a perilous quest to piece together a secret Word said to topple the tyrant. The story blends epic adventure, clever puzzles, and imaginative creatures with humor and heart. Perfect for strong middle-grade readers who love big worlds, high stakes, and a classic portal-fantasy feel.
Setting: modern-day United States and the fantasy realm of Lyrian
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A World Without Heroes right for my child?
Yes — A World Without Heroes is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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, friendship, resistance to tyranny.
How long does it take to read A World Without Heroes?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A World Without Heroes takes around 15h to finish. The book has 148,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A World Without Heroes have an AR quiz?
Yes — A World Without Heroes has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 World Without Heroes?
A World Without Heroes has an AR reading level of 5, 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.