The Maze Runner
National Geographic Books 2015
Book 1 of The Maze Runner
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- identity and memory
- teamwork and leadership
- trust
- courage
- mystery and problem-solving
- resilience
- escape
About this book
Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes with no memory in a place called the Glade, surrounded by a deadly, ever-changing maze. With a group of teens, he must solve the maze’s mysteries and work together to survive and find a way out. Fast-paced action, high-stakes puzzles, and a gripping sense of mystery keep readers turning pages. Great for middle school and early high school readers who like dystopian adventures and teamwork under pressure.
Setting: a shifting, deadly maze (the Glade) in a post-apocalyptic future
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Maze Runner right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Maze Runner. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 survival, identity and memory, teamwork and leadership.
How long does it take to read The Maze Runner?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Maze Runner takes around 10h to finish. The book has 101,182 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Maze Runner have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Maze Runner has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Maze Runner?
The Maze Runner has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.