Anna of Byzantium
Laurel-Leaf Books 2000
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- power and ambition
- family loyalty
- betrayal
- identity
- gender roles
- political intrigue
- resilience
About this book
This historical novel follows Anna Komnene, a gifted Byzantine princess raised to think and act like a ruler in a glittering, treacherous imperial court. As alliances shift and rivalries grow, Anna learns how power, learning, and loyalty can collide. Rich with court intrigue and period detail, the story invites readers into a world of strategy and consequence. Ideal for strong middle school readers who enjoy history, smart heroines, and palace politics.
Setting: Constantinople and the Byzantine imperial court, late 11th–early 12th century
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anna of Byzantium right for my child?
Yes — Anna of Byzantium is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7, which is typical for 7th 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 power and ambition, family loyalty, betrayal.
How long does it take to read Anna of Byzantium?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Anna of Byzantium takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Anna of Byzantium have an AR quiz?
Yes — Anna of Byzantium 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 Anna of Byzantium?
Anna of Byzantium has an AR reading level of 7, which places it at a 7th 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.