The Burning Maze
by Rick Riordan
2019
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- redemption
- friendship
- courage
- loyalty
- prophecy
- teamwork
- sacrifice
About this book
Apollo, now stuck in the mortal body of teen Lester Papadopoulos, must journey into the Burning Maze to restore a lost Oracle and inch closer to regaining his godhood. With Meg McCaffrey and new allies, he faces deadly traps, ancient magic, and the schemes of power-hungry emperors. Fast-paced action mixes with humor and heartfelt moments as Apollo learns what it really means to be brave and loyal. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who enjoy modern adventures rooted in Greek and Roman mythology.
Setting: modern-day American West and the Labyrinth beneath it (primarily California)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Burning Maze right for my child?
Yes — The Burning Maze is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 identity, redemption, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Burning Maze?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Burning Maze takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Burning Maze have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Burning Maze 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 Burning Maze?
The Burning Maze has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.