Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1)
by Rick Riordan
Penguin UK 2015
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- found family
- courage
- identity and belonging
- destiny vs. choice
- loyalty
- mythology and heroism
- resilience
About this book
Magnus Chase is a witty, street-smart teen surviving on the streets of Boston when he discovers his dad is a Norse god—and the Nine Worlds are in danger. Pulled into a whirlwind of myths come to life, Magnus must team up with new friends to recover a legendary sword and stop a looming catastrophe. Fast-paced action, laugh-out-loud humor, and clever mythology make this an exciting choice for fans of Percy Jackson. Great for upper middle-grade readers who enjoy big adventures with heart and a diverse, modern cast.
Setting: modern-day Boston and the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology (including Valhalla and Asgard)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1). The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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, found family, courage.
How long does it take to read Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1) takes around 14h to finish. The book has 128,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1) has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1)?
Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Book 1) has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.