Serpent's Shadow
by Rick Riordan
2018
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- teamwork
- courage
- good vs. evil
- responsibility
- leadership
- identity
- sacrifice
About this book
Carter and Sadie Kane race to stop the rise of a world-ending serpent by mastering ancient Egyptian magic and uncovering a risky spell. Told with Rick Riordan’s trademark humor and fast-paced action, this finale blends myth, adventure, and family bonds. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy modern kids facing legendary threats and clever problem-solving. Fans of the Percy Jackson universe will love the nonstop quests, witty banter, and high-stakes magic.
Setting: modern-day world woven with ancient Egyptian magic (primarily the U.S. and Egypt)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Serpent's Shadow right for my child?
Yes — Serpent's Shadow is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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, teamwork, courage.
How long does it take to read Serpent's Shadow?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Serpent's Shadow takes around 13h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Serpent's Shadow have an AR quiz?
Yes — Serpent's Shadow has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Serpent's Shadow?
Serpent's Shadow has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.