I, Coriander
Puffin 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- courage
- resilience
- oppression and justice
- family and belonging
- magic vs. reason
- hope
- friendship
About this book
Set in 17th-century London, I, Coriander follows a merchant’s daughter who discovers a hidden connection to the faerie realm just as political and religious turmoil overturns her world. When loss and cruelty invade her home, Coriander must find courage and rely on friendship, wit, and a touch of magic to survive. Rich, lyrical writing blends history and fantasy, making it a great pick for readers who enjoy fairy lore with real-world stakes. Perfect for middle graders ready for a slightly darker, atmospheric tale.
Setting: London during the English Civil War and Restoration, with passages into the faerie realm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I, Coriander right for my child?
Yes — I, Coriander 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 identity, courage, resilience.
How long does it take to read I, Coriander?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, I, Coriander takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I, Coriander have an AR quiz?
Yes — I, Coriander has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 I, Coriander?
I, Coriander 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.