Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition)
by Brandon Mull, Nick Eliopulos, Billy Merrell, Gavin Brown, Emily Seife
Scholastic Inc. 2014
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- loyalty
- teamwork
- destiny
- sacrifice
- good vs. evil
- betrayal
- legend and myth
About this book
This special edition in the Spirit Animals universe tells the origin legends of the Four Fallen—Briggan, Uraza, Jhi, and Essix—long before the main series. Through fast-paced, linked tales of battles, alliances, and ancient magic, readers see how the Great Beasts shaped the world of Erdas. It’s packed with action, animal lore, and world-building that fans love, while remaining accessible to middle-grade readers. A great pick for kids who enjoy epic adventures, mythical creatures, and team-based heroics.
Setting: the fantasy world of Erdas in an earlier age, across wild landscapes and battlefields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) right for my child?
Yes — Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) 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 courage, loyalty, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) 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 Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition)?
Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) 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.