Survivors #3: Darkness Falls
by Erin Hunter
HarperCollins 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- loyalty
- trust and betrayal
- leadership and power
- identity and belonging
- teamwork
- courage
- found family
About this book
In this third Survivors adventure, the dogs face a changed world where danger lurks beyond every scent trail. Lucky believes the only hope is for wild and leashed dogs to stand together, but his past choices force him to strike out on his own. Packed with tense pack politics, high-stakes chases, and tough decisions, it’s a gripping read for animal-loving middle graders. Fans of fast-paced survival stories and loyal canine heroes will be hooked.
Setting: a post-disaster city and surrounding wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Survivors #3: Darkness Falls right for my child?
Yes — Survivors #3: Darkness Falls is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 survival, loyalty, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read Survivors #3: Darkness Falls?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Survivors #3: Darkness Falls takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 75,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Survivors #3: Darkness Falls have an AR quiz?
Yes — Survivors #3: Darkness Falls 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 Survivors #3: Darkness Falls?
Survivors #3: Darkness Falls has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.