Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night
by Erin Hunter
HarperCollins 2016
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- trust and betrayal
- leadership
- identity
- truth-seeking
- pack vs. individual
- survival
- courage
About this book
In the second book of the Gathering Darkness arc, Storm believes a deadly attack on a Packmate could only have come from within the Wild Pack. While others doubt her suspicions, Storm is determined to uncover the truth before danger strikes again. Fast-paced action, mystery, and pack politics keep readers turning pages. Perfect for animal-adventure fans who enjoy stories about loyalty, leadership, and survival.
Setting: a post-disaster wilderness and ruined city territory inhabited by rival dog packs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night right for my child?
Yes — Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 loyalty, trust and betrayal, leadership.
How long does it take to read Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night have an AR quiz?
Yes — Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night?
Survivors: The Gathering Darkness #2: Dead of Night has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.