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Lodestar book cover

Lodestar

by Shannon Messenger

Simon and Schuster 2017

★★★★★

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
704
Pages
20
AR Points
15h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • friendship
  • trust and betrayal
  • courage
  • identity and belonging
  • loyalty
  • teamwork
  • secrets and conspiracy
  • found family

About this book

In this high-stakes fifth book of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie Foster reels after a shocking betrayal and races to uncover what the mysterious Lodestar symbol really means. With the Neverseen growing bolder, she and her friends must rely on their unique abilities, quick thinking, and unshakable bonds. Fast-paced action, humor, and rich world-building keep readers turning pages. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school fantasy fans who love big adventures and a tight-knit team of heroes.

Setting: the Lost Cities—a hidden world of elves alongside the modern human world

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lodestar right for my child?

Yes — Lodestar is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 friendship, trust and betrayal, courage.

How long does it take to read Lodestar?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Lodestar takes around 15h to finish. The book has 148,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Lodestar have an AR quiz?

Yes — Lodestar has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 Lodestar?

Lodestar has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.