The Door in the Wall
(Newbery Medal Winner)
Laurel Leaf 2012
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- resilience
- courage
- disability and ability
- identity and self-discovery
- mentorship
- duty and honor
- faith and hope
- medieval life
About this book
Set in medieval England, this classic follows Robin, a nobleman’s son who loses the use of his legs and must rethink what bravery and knighthood truly mean. With the guidance of kind monks and a traveling minstrel, he learns new skills, courage, and resourcefulness. Adventure and quiet heroism build as Robin undertakes a risky journey, discovering how to find a “door in the wall” when life seems closed off. Perfect for grades 4–7, it’s a short, inspiring read that blends history, heart, and hope.
Setting: medieval England—London, an abbey, and a besieged castle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Door in the Wall right for my child?
Yes — The Door in the Wall is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th 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 resilience, courage, disability and ability.
How long does it take to read The Door in the Wall?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Door in the Wall takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Door in the Wall have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Door in the Wall has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Door in the Wall?
The Door in the Wall has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th 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.