Dragon of the Lost Sea
by Laurence Yep
Scott Foresman 1988
Dragon
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- loyalty
- identity
- redemption
- courage
- revenge vs. forgiveness
- perseverance
About this book
Princess Shimmer, a proud dragon of the Inland Sea, sets out to find the sorceress who stole her people’s home. Along the way she forges an unlikely partnership with Thorn, a resourceful human boy, as they journey through a China-inspired world filled with magic, monsters, and danger. Their quest tests loyalty and courage while challenging what they believe about enemies and friends. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy epic quests, dragons, and folklore-rich adventures.
Setting: a mythic, China-inspired world spanning villages, mountains, and the lost Inland Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon of the Lost Sea right for my child?
Yes — Dragon of the Lost Sea is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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, loyalty, identity.
How long does it take to read Dragon of the Lost Sea?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dragon of the Lost Sea takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dragon of the Lost Sea have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dragon of the Lost Sea 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 Dragon of the Lost Sea?
Dragon of the Lost Sea has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.