Charlie Bone and the Hidden King
by Jenny Nimmo
Listening Library (Audio) 2016
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family and heritage
- courage
- good vs. evil
- loyalty
- identity
- secrets and mysteries
- destiny
About this book
In this fifth Children of the Red King adventure, Charlie Bone returns to Bloor’s Academy just as strange forces tied to the Red King’s legacy begin to stir. With his father still under a mysterious curse, Charlie and his friends uncover hidden passages, dangerous secrets, and powerful enemies within the school and the city. Fast-paced magic, loyal friendships, and a twisty mystery keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy school settings with a strong dose of enchantment and suspense.
Setting: contemporary England, primarily at Bloor’s Academy and the surrounding city
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlie Bone and the Hidden King right for my child?
Yes — Charlie Bone and the Hidden King is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 friendship, family and heritage, courage.
How long does it take to read Charlie Bone and the Hidden King?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Charlie Bone and the Hidden King takes around 8.6h to finish. The book has 85,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Charlie Bone and the Hidden King have an AR quiz?
Yes — Charlie Bone and the Hidden King has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Charlie Bone and the Hidden King?
Charlie Bone and the Hidden King has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.