Stories on Stone
Rock Art Images from the Ancient Ones
by Jennifer Owings Dewey
StarWalk Kids Media 2012
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- ancient cultures
- art and symbolism
- archaeology
- cultural heritage
- observation and inference
- history of the American Southwest
- respect for Native traditions
- mystery and discovery
About this book
This richly illustrated nonfiction book introduces kids to the mysterious rock art—petroglyphs and pictographs—left by Native peoples of the American Southwest. Author-illustrator Jennifer Owings Dewey shares her childhood fascination and guides readers in noticing patterns, symbols, and clues about who created the images and why. Clear text and vivid art make complex ideas about archaeology and culture easy to grasp. Perfect for curious readers who love history, art, and solving real-world mysteries.
Setting: American Southwest rock art sites and desert canyons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stories on Stone right for my child?
Yes — Stories on Stone is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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 ancient cultures, art and symbolism, archaeology.
How long does it take to read Stories on Stone?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Stories on Stone takes around 12m to finish. The book has 2,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stories on Stone have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stories on Stone has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Stories on Stone?
Stories on Stone has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.