ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK
by Emily Rodda
Omnibus Books 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family
- loyalty
- identity
- friendship
- rescue
- overcoming fear
- cultural conflict
About this book
When a deadly grach from the enemy land of the Zebak swoops into Rin and snatches someone dear to him, quiet Rowan joins a small band on a desperate rescue mission. Guided by Sheba’s cryptic riddles, they must cross dangerous terrain and infiltrate a harsh foreign city where courage and cleverness matter more than strength. This fast-paced fantasy balances high-stakes action with heart, showing how ordinary kids can do extraordinary things. A great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy quests, puzzles, and loyal friendships.
Setting: the peaceful village of Rin and the stark desert city of the Zebak in a fantasy world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK right for my child?
Yes — ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 courage, family, loyalty.
How long does it take to read ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 37,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK have an AR quiz?
Yes — ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK?
ROWAN AND THE ZEBAK has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.