Saturnalia
Harper & Row 1992
Marcus Didius Falco
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- freedom vs. obligation
- class and social order
- courage
- justice and hypocrisy
- coming of age
- tradition vs. change
- religion and tolerance
About this book
Set in colonial New England during a season of misrule, Saturnalia follows a teen indentured servant who finds his world turned upside down when the usual order is briefly reversed. Caught between masters and commoners, piety and pageantry, he must decide who he is and what kind of freedom he’s willing to claim. Rich historical details, broadsides, and street life bring Puritan-era Boston to life. Readers who enjoy smart, fast-moving historical adventures and questions of identity and justice will be hooked.
Setting: Puritan Boston, late 1600s during winter festivities
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saturnalia right for my child?
Yes — Saturnalia is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th 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, freedom vs. obligation, class and social order.
How long does it take to read Saturnalia?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Saturnalia takes around 2.6h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Saturnalia have an AR quiz?
Yes — Saturnalia has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Saturnalia?
Saturnalia has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.