Ghostfire
by Christopher Golden, Thomas E. Sniegoski
Simon and Schuster 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship
- identity
- innovation vs. tradition
- loyalty and trust
- power and responsibility
- prejudice
- good vs. evil
About this book
In a world where everyone wields magic, Timothy’s rare gift is invention—and it may be the only thing that can stop a monstrous threat. When the Parliament of mages asks for his help, Timothy joins an expedition to the barrier that separates their realm from the Wurm. But tensions rise as trusted allies act strangely and danger closes in on every side. Fast-paced action, clever worldbuilding, and a resourceful hero make this a thrilling pick for middle-grade fantasy fans.
Setting: a magic-ruled world spanning Arcanum and Sunderland, including a perilous expedition to the world-separating barrier
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghostfire right for my child?
Yes — Ghostfire is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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 courage, friendship, identity.
How long does it take to read Ghostfire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ghostfire takes around 8.2h to finish. The book has 81,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghostfire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghostfire has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Ghostfire?
Ghostfire has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.