Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders
by Brandon Mull
Simon and Schuster 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- bravery
- rescue and loyalty
- identity and belonging
- good vs. evil
- teamwork
- resourcefulness
- adventure
About this book
When Cole follows his kidnapped friends into a portal on Halloween, he lands in the Outskirts—a sprawling realm made of five magical kingdoms. Stranded far from home, he falls in with a band of sky raiders who brave floating castles and shifting dangers to survive. As Cole searches for his friends, he discovers hidden powers, dangerous rulers, and a world where courage and quick thinking matter most. Fast-paced action, inventive worldbuilding, and cliffhanger twists make this a favorite for fantasy fans.
Setting: the Outskirts—a magical realm of five kingdoms with floating castles and sky islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders right for my child?
Yes — Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders 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 friendship, bravery, rescue and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders have an AR quiz?
Yes — Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders 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 Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders?
Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders 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.