Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya
Holiday House 1999
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include life, death, and the underworld
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Genre
Themes
- mythology and folklore
- creation and origin stories
- nature and the elements
- life, death, and the underworld
- culture and ritual
- civilization and belief systems
- astronomy and time
- identity and transformation
About this book
This illustrated nonfiction book introduces key deities of the ancient Maya and the beliefs that shaped their world. Leonard Everett Fisher pairs bold artwork with concise explanations of gods connected to rain, maize, creation, and the underworld. Short sections, pronunciation help, and vivid visuals make complex mythology approachable for middle-grade readers. It’s a strong pick for kids curious about ancient cultures and world myths.
Setting: ancient Maya civilization in Mesoamerica (Central America)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya right for my child?
Yes — Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.5, 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 mythology and folklore, creation and origin stories, nature and the elements.
How long does it take to read Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya?
Gods and goddesses of the ancient Maya has an AR reading level of 6.5, 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.