King of the Wind
The Story of the Godolphin Arabian
Simon and Schuster 1948
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- perseverance
- courage
- human–animal bond
- destiny
- resilience
- hope
- social class and injustice
About this book
This Newbery Medal–winning novel follows Sham, a spirited Arabian stallion, and Agba, the mute stable boy who believes in him, from the royal stables of Morocco to the courts and racetracks of Europe. Through hardship and hope, the pair stay devoted to one another as they navigate unfamiliar lands and uncertain futures. Rich with horse lore and history, it’s an inspiring tale of courage and loyalty. Perfect for animal lovers and readers who enjoy historical adventures.
Setting: 18th-century Morocco, France, and England in royal stables and the early Thoroughbred racing world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is King of the Wind right for my child?
Yes — King of the Wind is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 loyalty, perseverance, courage.
How long does it take to read King of the Wind?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, King of the Wind takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does King of the Wind have an AR quiz?
Yes — King of the Wind has an AR quiz available, worth 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 King of the Wind?
King of the Wind has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.