Mojave crossing
Bantam Doubleday Dell 1985
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- honor
- trust and betrayal
- justice vs. lawlessness
- perseverance
- greed
- frontier life
- courage
About this book
A classic Louis L’Amour western, Mojave Crossing follows a tough, lone rider who agrees to escort a mysterious woman across the blistering Mojave Desert. Outlaws, shifting loyalties, and scarce water turn the journey into a fight for survival. Fast pacing, dust‑up action, and a stark desert setting keep readers turning pages. Best for teens who enjoy frontier grit, morally strong heroes, and high-stakes chases.
Setting: Mojave Desert and the American Southwest frontier, mid-19th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mojave crossing right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mojave crossing. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, honor, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read Mojave crossing?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Mojave crossing takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mojave crossing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mojave crossing has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Mojave crossing?
Mojave crossing has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.