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Inkspell book cover

Inkspell

by Cornelia Funke

Chicken House 2011

Book 2 of Inkheart series

★★★★☆

Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up

Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+

Book 2 in a series — earlier books first

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
538
Pages
29
AR Points
21h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • power of stories and words
  • family bonds
  • courage and sacrifice
  • loyalty and friendship
  • identity and belonging
  • good vs. evil
  • destiny vs. choice

About this book

A year after the events of Inkheart, Meggie learns that Dustfinger has slipped back into the enchanted Inkworld—and she can’t resist following. What she finds is a darker, more dangerous land where words hold real power and the stakes are higher than ever. Fans of immersive, book-within-a-book adventures will love the rich worldbuilding, high tension, and heartfelt bonds between characters. Perfect for strong middle-grade readers who enjoy epic fantasy and stories about the magic of reading.

Setting: the Inkworld—a dark, medieval-style fantasy realm—with a contemporary European frame

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Inkspell right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Inkspell. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include power of stories and words, family bonds, courage and sacrifice. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.

How long does it take to read Inkspell?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Inkspell takes around 21h to finish. The book has 204,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Inkspell have an AR quiz?

Yes — Inkspell has an AR quiz available, worth 29 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 Inkspell?

Inkspell has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.