The Battle of Hackham Heath
by John Anthony Flanagan
Random House 2016
Ranger's Apprentice: The Early Years
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Themes include warfare and strategy
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- courage
- leadership
- warfare and strategy
- friendship
- duty and sacrifice
- rebellion vs. order
- good vs. evil
About this book
Set in the world of Ranger’s Apprentice, this prequel follows Halt and Crowley as they uncover Morgarath’s growing threat and race to warn a newly crowned King Duncan. Stealth missions, political intrigue, and large-scale battle strategy build toward the fateful clash at Hackham Heath. Readers get the origin story of Araluen’s legendary Rangers, with plenty of sly humor, camaraderie, and action along the way. Great for middle schoolers who enjoy tactical warfare, loyal friendships, and fast-paced medieval adventure.
Setting: the medieval-inspired kingdom of Araluen, including castles, forests, and the Mountains of Rain and Night
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Battle of Hackham Heath right for my child?
Yes — The Battle of Hackham Heath is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.7, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include loyalty, courage, leadership.
How long does it take to read The Battle of Hackham Heath?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Battle of Hackham Heath takes around 11h to finish. The book has 112,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Battle of Hackham Heath have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Battle of Hackham Heath has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 The Battle of Hackham Heath?
The Battle of Hackham Heath has an AR reading level of 6.7, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.