Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities
New Stories about Mythic Heroes
by Rick Riordan, Carlos Hernandez, Roshani Chokshi, Jennifer Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim
2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- mythology remixed
- heroism and courage
- identity and belonging
- friendship and teamwork
- family ties and legacy
- culture and tradition
- good vs. evil
- coming of age
- cleverness and problem-solving
- community and responsibility
About this book
An anthology of ten original short stories from Rick Riordan Presents authors that remix global mythologies for modern readers. Featuring side adventures and new tales starring fan-favorite heroes from series like Aru Shah, Tristan Strong, Sal & Gabi, The Storm Runner, Dragon Pearl, Race to the Sun, City of the Plague God, Paola Santiago, and The Last Fallen Star, the collection blends humor, heart, and high-stakes action.
Setting: Contemporary real-world locations across the globe intertwined with various mythic realms and otherworldly spaces
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities right for my child?
Yes — Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities 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 mythology remixed, heroism and courage, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities takes around 12h to finish. The book has 121,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities?
Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities 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.