The Horse and His Boy (full color)
by C. S. Lewis
Zondervan 2000
Great fit for 5th 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
- identity
- freedom
- courage
- friendship
- belonging
- loyalty
- destiny
- adventure
About this book
An orphaned boy named Shasta escapes a harsh life when he discovers a talking horse from Narnia who is also desperate for freedom. Together they flee across deserts and mountains, uncovering secrets about their pasts while racing to warn of looming danger. Set during the Pevensies’ Golden Age, this standalone Narnia adventure blends rollicking travel, close calls, and warm humor. Great for confident middle-grade readers who enjoy classic fantasy, brave heroes, and faithful animal companions.
Setting: the deserts of Calormen and the kingdoms of Archenland and Narnia during the Pevensies' Golden Age
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Horse and His Boy (full color) right for my child?
Yes — The Horse and His Boy (full color) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 identity, freedom, courage.
How long does it take to read The Horse and His Boy (full color)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Horse and His Boy (full color) takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,029 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Horse and His Boy (full color) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Horse and His Boy (full color) has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Horse and His Boy (full color)?
The Horse and His Boy (full color) has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.