The Maze Runner
Chicken House 2012
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (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
- survival
- identity and memory
- teamwork and leadership
- trust and loyalty
- courage under pressure
- mystery and discovery
- resilience
- ethics of experimentation
About this book
Thomas wakes up in a metal lift with no memories except his name and emerges into the Glade, a strange camp ringed by towering stone walls and a deadly, ever-shifting maze. Every day, the boys trapped there risk everything to map the labyrinth and survive the terrifying creatures that prowl it at night. When Thomas arrives, unusual events begin that suggest he may be connected to the maze in ways he can’t explain. Fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of mystery, this is perfect for readers who love high-stakes survival and twisty dystopian adventures.
Setting: a walled encampment (the Glade) and a massive shifting stone maze in a dystopian future
Readers also enjoyed
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.