Children of Refuge
Simon and Schuster 2017
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family and loyalty
- truth vs. propaganda
- resistance and courage
- belonging
- trust and deception
- survival
- social injustice
About this book
Edwy is whisked away to a rigid boarding school in Refuge City, where he must navigate strict rules, distant siblings, and dangerous secrets. Meanwhile, his friends left behind in Cursed Town face new threats, forcing everyone to question who to trust and what family really means. Told with fast-paced twists and a sharp sense of mystery, this sequel deepens the world introduced in Children of Exile. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy dystopian adventures, moral dilemmas, and resilient characters.
Setting: a dystopian future spanning Refuge City, a strict boarding school, and the harsh Cursed Town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children of Refuge right for my child?
Yes — Children of Refuge is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 identity, family and loyalty, truth vs. propaganda.
How long does it take to read Children of Refuge?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Children of Refuge takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Children of Refuge have an AR quiz?
Yes — Children of Refuge 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 Children of Refuge?
Children of Refuge has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.