The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities
New Stories about Mythic Heroes
by Rick Riordan
Thorndike Striving Reader 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- mythology
- heroism
- identity
- friendship
- courage
- family
- culture and heritage
- good vs. evil
About this book
This anthology brings together ten original short stories from Rick Riordan Presents authors, remixing global myths for modern middle-grade readers. Each tale features a new or familiar young hero facing monsters, magic, and tricky gods with humor and heart. Fast-paced and diverse, it’s perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who want bite-size adventures that explore many cultures. Great as a sampler to discover new series and authors, or for readers who like to jump into complete stories in one sitting.
Setting: contemporary settings around the world infused with mythic realms
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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 5.3, 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 mythology, heroism, identity.
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 11h to finish. The book has 105,000 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 14 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 5.3, 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.