The Egypt Game
Turtleback Books 2009
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- imagination and play
- mystery and suspense
- community
- identity and belonging
- courage
- coping with change
- cultural curiosity
About this book
April Hall, new to the neighborhood and missing her old life, teams up with Melanie and other kids to create an elaborate game inspired by ancient Egypt in a hidden backyard lot. Their imaginations bring rituals, costumes, and secret codes to life—but when unsettling events occur nearby, the make-believe world starts to feel a little too real. Blending mystery with friendship and creativity, the story celebrates how kids build community and confidence through play. Perfect for strong readers in upper elementary and middle grades who enjoy puzzles, history, and richly drawn characters.
Setting: a California college-town neighborhood in the 1960s, centered around a curio shop’s back lot
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Egypt Game right for my child?
Yes — The Egypt Game is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.4, 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 friendship, imagination and play, mystery and suspense.
How long does it take to read The Egypt Game?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Egypt Game takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Egypt Game have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Egypt Game has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Egypt Game?
The Egypt Game has an AR reading level of 6.4, 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.