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The AR Booklist
Palace of Mirrors book cover

Palace of Mirrors

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Scholastic Inc. 2008

Great fit for 5th grade

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

5th grade English
297
Pages
11
AR Points
8.0h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • identity
  • deception and truth
  • courage
  • friendship and loyalty
  • power and politics
  • class and privilege
  • destiny vs. choice

About this book

Cecilia has grown up in a quiet village with a dangerous secret: she’s been trained all her life to reclaim a throne that a decoy princess currently occupies. When trouble closes in, she and her loyal friend Harper set out for the capital to prove who she is. Their journey uncovers unexpected allies, courtly intrigue, and tough choices about truth and responsibility. Fans of smart royal adventures will enjoy the mystery, humor, and strong heroine.

Setting: a medieval-style kingdom and its royal capital

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palace of Mirrors right for my child?

Yes — Palace of Mirrors 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 identity, deception and truth, courage.

How long does it take to read Palace of Mirrors?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Palace of Mirrors takes around 8.0h to finish. The book has 79,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Palace of Mirrors have an AR quiz?

Yes — Palace of Mirrors has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Palace of Mirrors?

Palace of Mirrors 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.