The Maze Runner
Penguin Group 2010
Book 1 of The Maze Runner
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- identity and memory
- leadership
- trust and betrayal
- friendship and teamwork
- courage
- dystopia
- hope
About this book
Thomas wakes up in a strange elevator with no memories and arrives in the Glade, a walled encampment run by teens who survive by strict rules. Surrounding them is a shifting, deadly Maze that only designated Runners dare to explore. When the first-ever girl arrives with a chilling message, everything in the Glade begins to change. Fast-paced and mysterious, this dystopian thriller hooks readers who love puzzles, high stakes, and team-based survival stories.
Setting: a teen-run enclave called the Glade surrounded by a massive, shifting maze in a dystopian 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 Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, identity and memory, 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 Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.