Tales of the Great Beasts
by Brandon Mull
2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- heroism
- sacrifice
- teamwork
- destiny
- good vs. evil
- loyalty
- courage
- legend and myth
About this book
This special edition in the Spirit Animals universe tells the origin stories of the legendary Great Beasts—Briggan the Wolf, Uraza the Leopard, Jhi the Panda, and Essix the Falcon. Set long before the main series, it reveals how these powerful animals stood against a dangerous threat to protect their world. Fast-paced chapters, rich lore, and brave heroes make it a great pick for fantasy fans. It works as a companion for Spirit Animals readers and an exciting entry point for newcomers.
Setting: the world of Erdas in a mythic past, across forests, mountains, and wild frontiers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tales of the Great Beasts right for my child?
Yes — Tales of the Great Beasts is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 heroism, sacrifice, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Tales of the Great Beasts?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tales of the Great Beasts takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tales of the Great Beasts have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tales of the Great Beasts has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Tales of the Great Beasts?
Tales of the Great Beasts has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.