The Lost City of Faar
by D.J. MacHale
Simon and Schuster 2009
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- good vs. evil
- responsibility
- identity and destiny
- environmental crisis
- teamwork
- leadership
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon travels to Cloral, a world covered entirely by water, where floating cities face a looming catastrophe. Guided by his uncle Press’s mission to keep the territories in balance, Bobby races to uncover the secrets of the legendary city of Faar. Fast-paced action, world-hopping adventure, and relatable journal-style narration make this a favorite for middle grade and early teen readers. Perfect for kids who love high-stakes quests, inventive settings, and loyal friendships.
Setting: the ocean world of Cloral—floating habitats and the fabled submerged city of Faar; frame narrative from present-day Earth
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lost City of Faar right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Lost City of Faar. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 friendship, courage, good vs. evil.
How long does it take to read The Lost City of Faar?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Lost City of Faar takes around 12h to finish. The book has 115,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Lost City of Faar have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Lost City of Faar has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Lost City of Faar?
The Lost City of Faar has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.