Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death
by D.J. MacHale
Simon and Schuster 2009
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- destiny vs. choice
- good vs. evil
- identity
- responsibility
- rebellion
- adventure
About this book
Bobby Pendragon thinks he’s an ordinary eighth-grader until he’s whisked through a mysterious tunnel to another world on the brink of disaster. Told through Bobby’s journal entries to his best friends back home, the story blends humor, high-stakes action, and imaginative world-hopping. It’s a fast-paced start to the Pendragon saga that hooks readers who love big adventures and relatable heroes. Great for middle schoolers ready for an epic, page-turning series.
Setting: modern-day Stony Brook, Connecticut and the fantasy/sci-fi territory of Denduron, with travel through interdimensional flumes
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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, courage, destiny vs. choice.
How long does it take to read Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 77,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death 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 Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death?
Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.