The Scorch Trials
Turtleback Books 2011
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
- loyalty and friendship
- government control
- resilience
- courage
- morality under pressure
About this book
Thomas and the other survivors are thrust into a brutal new phase of WICKED’s experiments, forced to cross a blistering wasteland known as the Scorch. With deadly obstacles, shifting alliances, and cryptic promises of a cure, every step tests their strength and trust. Fast-paced action and mystery keep readers turning pages while exploring who to believe when memories can’t be trusted. Best for teens who like intense dystopian adventures with high stakes.
Setting: post-apocalyptic deserts 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 100,000 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.