Crystal Keepers
by Brandon Mull
Simon and Schuster 2015
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship and loyalty
- courage
- resistance against tyranny
- technology vs. magic
- teamwork
- perseverance
- identity and choices
- rescue mission
About this book
In book three of the Five Kingdoms series, Cole journeys into Zeropolis, a high-tech kingdom where slick highways, gadgets, and robotic hunters collide with powerful magic. On a risky mission to find and free his captured friends, he must outsmart a ruthless ruler and navigate a city built on secrets. Fast-paced action, clever twists, and inventive world-building keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle-grade fans who love big adventures, team camaraderie, and a blend of fantasy and futuristic thrills.
Setting: Zeropolis, a high-tech kingdom within the magical Outskirts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crystal Keepers right for my child?
Yes — Crystal Keepers 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 friendship and loyalty, courage, resistance against tyranny.
How long does it take to read Crystal Keepers?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Crystal Keepers takes around 13h to finish. The book has 128,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Crystal Keepers have an AR quiz?
Yes — Crystal Keepers has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Crystal Keepers?
Crystal Keepers 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.