The Scorch Trials
2015
Book 2 of The Maze Runner
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- trust and betrayal
- identity and memory
- friendship and loyalty
- control and manipulation
- courage
- resilience
- moral ambiguity
About this book
In this high-stakes sequel to The Maze Runner, Thomas and the Gladers are thrust into a blistering wasteland called the Scorch, where brutal heat, deadly storms, and unpredictable enemies test their limits. With cryptic instructions and shifting alliances, they must cross desolate cities and deserts to survive. Fast-paced action, mystery, and cliffhangers keep readers turning pages. Ideal for teens who enjoy dystopian adventures with moral dilemmas and tight-knit teamwork.
Setting: a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland and ruined cities known as the Scorch
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Scorch Trials right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Scorch Trials. The reading level is AR 5, 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, trust and betrayal, identity and memory. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Scorch Trials?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Scorch Trials takes around 10h to finish. The book has 99,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Scorch Trials have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Scorch Trials 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 Scorch Trials?
The Scorch Trials has an AR reading level of 5, 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.