Keeper of the Lost Cities
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- friendship
- belonging
- secrets and lies
- courage
- found family
- destiny and choice
- trust
About this book
Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has always felt different—until she discovers she’s a telepath and belongs to a hidden world she never knew existed. Swept into a dazzling society of elves, academies, and ancient secrets, she must learn to control her powers and figure out why she’s so important. Fast-paced adventure, humor, and heartfelt friendships make this an irresistible start for middle-grade fantasy readers. Perfect for kids who love immersive worlds and school-of-magic stories without heavy darkness.
Setting: modern-day San Diego and a hidden elven world (the Lost Cities), including the Foxfire Academy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keeper of the Lost Cities right for my child?
Yes — Keeper of the Lost Cities is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th 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, friendship, belonging.
How long does it take to read Keeper of the Lost Cities?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Keeper of the Lost Cities takes around 13h to finish. The book has 119,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Keeper of the Lost Cities have an AR quiz?
Yes — Keeper of the Lost Cities has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Keeper of the Lost Cities?
Keeper of the Lost Cities has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th 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.