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Dark Secret book cover

Dark Secret

by Tui T. Sutherland

2014

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English Adventure stories
10
AR Points
7.6h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • identity
  • loyalty
  • secrets and lies
  • courage
  • friendship
  • destiny vs. choice
  • power and politics

About this book

In this fourth Wings of Fire adventure, Starflight is swept into the secretive world of the NightWings, where hidden plans and dangerous truths challenge everything he believes. Cut off from his friends, he must rely on his wits and courage to navigate rivalries and decide where his loyalty truly lies. Fast-paced action, clever twists, and rich dragon lore keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle-grade fantasy fans who enjoy dragons, mystery, and stories about identity and friendship.

Setting: the volcanic NightWing island and the Rainforest Kingdom in the world of Pyrrhia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dark Secret right for my child?

Yes — Dark Secret is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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, loyalty, secrets and lies.

How long does it take to read Dark Secret?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dark Secret takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 75,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Dark Secret have an AR quiz?

Yes — Dark Secret has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Dark Secret?

Dark Secret has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.