Black Unicorn
by Tanith Lee
iBooks 2011
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- self-discovery
- identity and destiny
- courage
- independence
- mother–daughter relationships
- magic vs. technology
- quests and journeys
- choice and consequence
About this book
Tanaquil is the daughter of a powerful sorceress, but she can’t cast a single spell—her gift is fixing broken gadgets. When a mysterious black unicorn appears, it chooses Tanaquil and draws her into a perilous journey beyond her desert home. As she follows the uncanny creature, Tanaquil uncovers hidden strengths and a destiny that doesn’t look anything like her mother’s magic. Teens enjoy the rich, imaginative world, dry wit, and a clever heroine who relies on ingenuity as much as courage.
Setting: a desert sorceress’s stronghold and neighboring fantastical kingdoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Unicorn right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Black Unicorn. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th 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 self-discovery, identity and destiny, courage.
How long does it take to read Black Unicorn?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Black Unicorn takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Black Unicorn have an AR quiz?
Yes — Black Unicorn has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Black Unicorn?
Black Unicorn has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th 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.