The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities
New Stories About Mythic Heroes
by Rick Riordan
National Geographic Books 2023
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- heroism
- identity
- friendship
- family
- courage
- teamwork
- cultural mythology
- good vs. evil
About this book
This myth-powered anthology brings together favorite heroes from Rick Riordan Presents in ten brand-new short adventures. Each story blends fast-paced action, humor, and heart with folklore and mythology from around the world. It’s a great pick for middle-grade readers who like bite-size tales, variety, and lots of laughs alongside high-stakes quests. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and readers looking to sample different series before diving into the full novels.
Setting: Contemporary and mythical locations across the world, varying by story
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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 5.4, 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 heroism, 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 18 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 5.4, 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.