Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Simon & Schuster Children's 2023
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- identity and belonging
- teamwork
- rivalry
- responsibility and power
- perseverance
- good vs. evil
About this book
Skandar Smith has always dreamed of bonding with a unicorn—dangerous, elemental creatures ridden by the bravest heroes. When he’s whisked to a secret island to train as a rider, Skandar enters a thrilling world of sky races, storm magic, and fierce rivalries. But a mysterious enemy steals the most powerful unicorn, and dark forces threaten the island. Fast-paced and imaginative, this series opener is perfect for readers who love epic adventures, magical schools, and creature companions.
Setting: a secret island off the contemporary UK coast where riders train wild, elemental unicorns
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skandar and the Unicorn Thief right for my child?
Yes — Skandar and the Unicorn Thief 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 friendship, courage, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read Skandar and the Unicorn Thief?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief takes around 11h to finish. The book has 105,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skandar and the Unicorn Thief have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skandar and the Unicorn Thief has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Skandar and the Unicorn Thief?
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief 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.