Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2018
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- good vs. evil
- identity
- loyalty
- found family
- mystery
- humor in the face of danger
About this book
Twelve-year-old Stephanie Edgley teams up with Skulduggery Pleasant, a wisecracking skeleton detective, to stop a dark sorcerer from unleashing ancient evil on the world. Set in modern-day Ireland, the story mixes magic, mystery, and fast-paced action with sharp humor. It’s a great fit for readers who enjoy snarky banter, clever twists, and supernatural adventures. Fans of urban fantasy and detective stories will be hooked by the duo’s chemistry and the richly built magical underworld.
Setting: modern-day Dublin, Ireland, with a hidden magical underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, courage, good vs. evil.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant 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 Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant?
Skulduggery Pleasant (1) – Skulduggery Pleasant has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.