The Scorpions of Zahir
by Christine Brodien-Jones
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2012
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- courage
- destiny vs. choice
- mystery and discovery
- cultural exploration
- science and myth
- teamwork
- perseverance
About this book
Eleven-year-old Zagora Pym travels to the Moroccan desert with her archaeologist dad and star-gazing brother, guided by a mysterious stone and whispers of a lost city called Zahir. As sandstorms, secrets, and scorpion legends close in, Zag must use her wits and courage to decipher clues and keep her family safe. Fast-paced adventure, an exotic setting, and a brave, curious heroine make this a page-turner for middle-grade readers. Great for kids who love archaeology, puzzles, and a dash of magic.
Setting: modern-day Moroccan desert and Atlas Mountains; the legendary city of Zahir
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Scorpions of Zahir right for my child?
Yes — The Scorpions of Zahir is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family bonds, courage, destiny vs. choice.
How long does it take to read The Scorpions of Zahir?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Scorpions of Zahir takes around 9.9h to finish. The book has 98,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Scorpions of Zahir have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Scorpions of Zahir has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Scorpions of Zahir?
The Scorpions of Zahir has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.