Death Valley
California, 1849
by Kathleen Duey, Karen A. Bale
Simon and Schuster 2015
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include frontier and westward expansion
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- perseverance
- family bonds
- responsibility and guilt
- resourcefulness
- frontier and westward expansion
- hope
About this book
In 1849, siblings Jess and Will are stranded in Death Valley after their wagon breaks down and their father is badly injured. With scorching heat, little water, and endless desert ahead, they set out on foot to find help and save their family. This fast-paced historical survival story drops readers into the dangers of the Gold Rush trail and the harsh Mojave landscape. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers who like high-stakes adventure, strong sibling bonds, and true-to-life history.
Setting: Death Valley, California during the 1849 Gold Rush
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death Valley right for my child?
Yes — Death Valley 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 survival, courage, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Death Valley?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Death Valley takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Death Valley have an AR quiz?
Yes — Death Valley has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Death Valley?
Death Valley 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.