The Merchant of Death
by D.J. MacHale
Aladdin 2002
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- good vs. evil
- identity and destiny
- responsibility
- rebellion and justice
- portal travel/multiverse
- loyalty
About this book
Bobby Pendragon is a regular 14-year-old until his mysterious Uncle Press whisks him through a portal to another world on the brink of war. Told through Bobby’s journal entries to his friends back home, the story blends fast-paced action with humor and heart. As Bobby learns he’s part of a line of Travelers who protect multiple territories, he must decide who to trust and how brave he can be. Perfect for middle school readers who love big adventures, portal fantasy, and cliff-hanger chapters.
Setting: Suburban Connecticut and the medieval-like territory of Denduron within a connected multiverse
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Merchant of Death right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Merchant of Death. 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 Merchant of Death?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Merchant of Death takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Merchant of Death have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Merchant of Death has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Merchant of Death?
The Merchant of Death 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.