Kwame Crashes the Underworld
by Craig Kofi Farmer
Roaring Brook Press 2024
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- family and ancestry
- courage
- identity and heritage
- mythology and folklore
- good vs. evil
- friendship
- self-discovery
About this book
Twelve-year-old Kwame travels to Ghana for his grandmother’s celebration of life—and is swept into Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld. There he discovers his grandmother isn’t gone at all and needs his help to stop a threat that could endanger both the living and the dead. Drawing on rich West African mythology, the story blends action, humor, and heart as Kwame faces spirits, trials, and his own grief. Perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures rooted in culture and family.
Setting: present-day Ghana and Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kwame Crashes the Underworld right for my child?
Yes — Kwame Crashes the Underworld is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 grief and healing, family and ancestry, courage.
How long does it take to read Kwame Crashes the Underworld?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Kwame Crashes the Underworld takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kwame Crashes the Underworld have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kwame Crashes the Underworld 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 Kwame Crashes the Underworld?
Kwame Crashes the Underworld has an AR reading level of 5, 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.