The High King
The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 5 (Newbery Medal Winner)
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2006
The Chronicles of Prydain
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- leadership
- sacrifice
- good vs. evil
- identity and destiny
- loyalty
- honor
About this book
In this epic finale to The Chronicles of Prydain, Taran and his companions confront the dark power threatening their homeland. As armies gather and winter closes in, Taran must lead with courage and decide what he is willing to risk for the greater good. The story blends high adventure with heartfelt choices about loyalty, identity, and responsibility. A gripping, emotionally rich conclusion that rewards fans of classic fantasy quests.
Setting: the fantasy realm of Prydain, inspired by medieval Wales, from fortified caers to winter battlefields and the shadowed land of Annuvin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The High King right for my child?
Yes — The High King is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, 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, courage, leadership.
How long does it take to read The High King?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The High King takes around 7.3h to finish. The book has 77,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The High King have an AR quiz?
Yes — The High King 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 High King?
The High King has an AR reading level of 6.6, 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.