The Dangerous Gift
Thorndike Striving Reader 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- responsibility
- trust vs. fear
- prejudice and empathy
- courage
- diplomacy
- identity
- friendship
About this book
In the icy kingdom of Pyrrhia, young Queen Snowfall would rather lock her borders than trust strangers—especially dragons from a faraway land. When refugees arrive seeking help, she must wrestle with fear, prophecy, and the heavy responsibility of leadership. Packed with action, humor, and dragon lore, this installment follows Snowfall as she learns what it takes to protect her tribe without losing her heart. Perfect for fans of fast-paced fantasy ages 9–13 who love rich world-building and strong, complex heroes.
Setting: the IceWing kingdom in the far north of Pyrrhia, amid frozen seas and crystal palaces, with visitors from the continent of Pantala
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dangerous Gift right for my child?
Yes — The Dangerous Gift is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 leadership, responsibility, trust vs. fear.
How long does it take to read The Dangerous Gift?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Dangerous Gift takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dangerous Gift have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dangerous Gift has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Dangerous Gift?
The Dangerous Gift has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.