The Hive Queen
Scholastic Press 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity and knowledge
- resistance to tyranny
- friendship and loyalty
- identity and belonging
- truth vs. propaganda
- courage
- found family
- freedom and choice
About this book
Cricket, a curious HiveWing dragonet, has always asked the questions no one else dares—especially about the mind-controlling Queen Wasp. When she discovers she’s mysteriously immune to the queen’s power, she’s thrust into a dangerous chase across Pantala. With a small group of unlikely allies, Cricket must uncover long-buried truths and find the courage to stand up to a tyrant. Fast-paced, twisty, and full of dragon worldbuilding, it’s perfect for fans who love adventure, mystery, and clever, independent heroes.
Setting: the enclosed Hives on the dragon continent of Pantala
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hive Queen right for my child?
Yes — The Hive Queen is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th 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 curiosity and knowledge, resistance to tyranny, friendship and loyalty.
How long does it take to read The Hive Queen?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Hive Queen takes around 8.4h to finish. The book has 83,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Hive Queen have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Hive Queen has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Hive Queen?
The Hive Queen has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th 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.