The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities
New Stories about Mythic Heroes
by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- myth and folklore
- identity
- friendship
- courage
- family
- teamwork
- destiny and choice
- good vs. evil
About this book
This anthology gathers ten brand-new adventures from the Rick Riordan Presents universe, remixing myths from around the world for modern readers. Favorite heroes from popular series face fresh challenges, trickster gods, and magical mayhem—told with fast-paced action and plenty of humor. It’s a great pick for middle graders who love mythology, diverse voices, and short stories you can read one at a time. Fans of Rick Riordan’s style will enjoy the familiar blend of heart, laughs, and heroic quests.
Setting: contemporary real-world locations infused with global mythologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities right for my child?
Yes — The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities 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 myth and folklore, identity, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities takes around 12h to finish. The book has 120,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities 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 Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities?
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities 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.