The Farthest Shore
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- balance and responsibility
- mortality
- identity
- mentorship
- courage
- power and its limits
- good vs. evil
- sacrifice
About this book
Magic is fading across the islands of Earthsea, and a young prince named Arren seeks the help of Ged, the Archmage, to discover why. Their voyage carries them from busy harbors to the farthest reaches of the sea, where ancient powers and hard truths await. This is a thoughtful, adventurous quest story that blends dragons, seafaring, and mystery with big ideas about life and responsibility. Perfect for strong middle-grade and teen readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding and character-driven fantasy.
Setting: the Earthsea archipelago and the far western reaches of the sea
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Farthest Shore right for my child?
Yes — The Farthest Shore is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.7, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include balance and responsibility, mortality, identity.
How long does it take to read The Farthest Shore?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Farthest Shore takes around 7.4h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Farthest Shore have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Farthest Shore has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Farthest Shore?
The Farthest Shore has an AR reading level of 6.7, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.