The Bellmaker
A Tale from Redwall
Penguin 2004
Redwall
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family bonds
- rescue and loyalty
- good vs. evil
- friendship
- destiny and prophecy
- leadership
- perseverance
About this book
When warrior-mouse Mariel and her friend Dandin vanish on a far-off quest, Joseph the Bellmaker receives a mysterious dream from Martin the Warrior that sends him on a rescue mission. With a small band of brave Redwallers, Joseph journeys beyond Mossflower to confront new dangers and rally allies. Packed with swashbuckling battles, riddles, and songs, this Redwall tale celebrates courage, loyalty, and the strength of family. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy epic animal fantasy and rich world-building.
Setting: Redwall Abbey and the distant coastal land of Southsward
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bellmaker right for my child?
Yes — The Bellmaker is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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, family bonds, rescue and loyalty.
How long does it take to read The Bellmaker?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Bellmaker takes around 11h to finish. The book has 107,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Bellmaker have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Bellmaker has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Bellmaker?
The Bellmaker has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.