The Dark Tower
by Stephen King
Berkley 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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About this book
Presents the first four volumes in the epic series featuring the quest of Roland Deschain of Gilead to find the dark tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dark Tower right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Dark Tower. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade).
How long does it take to read The Dark Tower?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Dark Tower takes around 26h to finish. The book has 272,273 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dark Tower have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dark Tower has an AR quiz available, worth 44 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 Tower?
The Dark Tower has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.