The Sword of Summer
by Rick Riordan
2017
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- identity
- found family
- destiny vs. choice
- mythology and lore
- loyalty
- humor in adversity
About this book
Magnus Chase is a street-smart teen in Boston who discovers he’s connected to the Norse gods—and that a powerful enchanted sword has chosen him. His search pulls him into the Nine Worlds, where he must outwit giants, elves, and more to stop a looming catastrophe. Fast-paced action, laugh-out-loud humor, and a diverse cast make this a hit with fans of myth-based adventures. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy big quests, clever heroes, and modern twists on ancient legends.
Setting: contemporary Boston and the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology (including Valhalla)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sword of Summer right for my child?
Yes — The Sword of Summer is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 friendship, courage, identity.
How long does it take to read The Sword of Summer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Sword of Summer takes around 14h to finish. The book has 128,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Sword of Summer have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Sword of Summer has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Sword of Summer?
The Sword of Summer has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.