The Dark Secret
Scholastic Press 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- loyalty and friendship
- courage
- truth vs. secrecy
- belonging
- leadership and responsibility
- choices and consequences
About this book
Starflight finally travels to the secretive NightWing kingdom and must choose between loyalty to his tribe and protecting the friends who’ve become his family. As he uncovers hidden truths about the NightWings, he learns that being brave can look different from breathing fire. Fast-paced action, clever worldbuilding, and a mystery-filled setting keep readers turning pages. Great for dragon lovers and middle grade readers who enjoy adventure with heart.
Setting: the world of Pyrrhia—primarily the secret NightWing island and the rainforest
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dark Secret right for my child?
Yes — The Dark Secret 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, loyalty and friendship, courage.
How long does it take to read The Dark Secret?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Dark Secret takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 77,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dark Secret have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dark Secret has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Dark Secret?
The Dark Secret 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.