Invitation to the game
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 1992
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- survival
- teamwork
- resilience
- social inequality
- freedom vs. control
- technology and virtual reality
- hope
About this book
In a crowded, jobless future, a close-knit group of recent graduates struggles to survive under strict government control. When they’re invited to play a mysterious, highly immersive game, it becomes the one place they can practice skills, solve problems, and make their own choices. As the challenges grow tougher, the friends learn to rely on one another and think creatively. This thoughtful sci‑fi adventure appeals to readers who enjoy survival puzzles, big ideas, and strong teamwork.
Setting: a dystopian near-future Earth under strict government control; urban centers and a mysterious game world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invitation to the game right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Invitation to the game. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 friendship, survival, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Invitation to the game?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Invitation to the game takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Invitation to the game have an AR quiz?
Yes — Invitation to the game has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Invitation to the game?
Invitation to the game has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.