Child of the May
Orchard Books 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- justice vs. tyranny
- found family
- identity
- loyalty
- gender roles
- rebellion
- survival
About this book
Set in medieval Sherwood, this companion to The Forestwife follows a bold young girl drawn into Robin Hood’s world of outlaws, secret allies, and dangerous oaths. Guided by the Forestwife and inspired by tales of justice, she learns to rely on courage and quick thinking when the Sheriff’s men threaten those she loves. The story blends action, folklore, and strong female leadership for readers who enjoy adventurous historical tales. It’s a great fit for upper elementary and middle school readers who like fast-paced retellings with heart.
Setting: Sherwood Forest, medieval England
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Child of the May right for my child?
Yes — Child of the May is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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, justice vs. tyranny, found family.
How long does it take to read Child of the May?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Child of the May takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Child of the May have an AR quiz?
Yes — Child of the May has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Child of the May?
Child of the May has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.