Pillage
by Obert Skye
Shadow Mountain 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family legacy
- secrets and lies
- power and responsibility
- temptation
- friendship
- courage
- consequences of choices
- greed
About this book
After his mother’s death, Beck Phillips is sent to live with a wealthy, mysterious uncle in a crumbling mansion on the edge of a small town. Strange things start happening in the greenhouse, and Beck discovers a family legacy tied to long-buried secrets—and dragons. As his unusual talent awakens powers he doesn’t fully understand, Beck must decide whom to trust before his curiosity unleashes danger. Fast-paced, funny, and full of suspense, this fantasy hooks middle graders who enjoy secret-filled estates and dragon lore.
Setting: contemporary small town of Kingsplot and a sprawling, eerie mansion with a greenhouse
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pillage right for my child?
Yes — Pillage 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 family legacy, secrets and lies, power and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Pillage?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Pillage takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 74,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pillage have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pillage has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Pillage?
Pillage 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.