The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by C. S. Lewis
HarperCollins Children's Books 2025
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- good vs. evil
- courage
- family and sibling bonds
- sacrifice
- faith and redemption
- hope
- leadership
- magic and destiny
About this book
Four siblings discover a hidden world through a wardrobe and find a land locked in winter by a powerful witch. Guided by talking animals and ancient magic, they must choose courage and stand together to help Narnia. This classic portal fantasy is perfect for confident elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding and brave heroes. Kids love the memorable characters, fast-paced adventure, and the timeless battle between good and evil.
Setting: World War II–era England and the magical land of Narnia under the White Witch’s winter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe right for my child?
Yes — The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 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 good vs. evil, courage, family and sibling bonds.
How long does it take to read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe takes around 3.6h to finish. The book has 36,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 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.