Five Epic Disasters
2016
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- resilience
- natural disasters
- problem-solving
- teamwork
- history and science
- hope
About this book
This nonfiction companion to the I Survived series shares five real-life tales of kids facing incredible disasters—from the Titanic and the Boston Molasses Flood to the Japanese tsunami and a powerful Midwestern tornado. Short chapters, photos, and sidebars explain what happened and why, while keeping the focus on human bravery and smart decision-making. It’s a gripping, fact-filled read for upper elementary and middle-grade students who love survival stories and history. Perfect for fans of I Survived who want the true stories behind the headlines.
Setting: Multiple real-world locations and eras, from the American prairie (1888) and North Atlantic (1912) to Boston (1919), coastal Japan (2011), and Indiana (2012)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Five Epic Disasters right for my child?
Yes — Five Epic Disasters is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th 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, resilience.
How long does it take to read Five Epic Disasters?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Five Epic Disasters takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Five Epic Disasters have an AR quiz?
Yes — Five Epic Disasters has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Five Epic Disasters?
Five Epic Disasters has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.