The Talisman
A Novel
by Stephen King, Peter Straub
Simon and Schuster 2024
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- coming of age
- good vs. evil
- mother–son bond
- parallel worlds and twinners
- sacrifice
- destiny and fate
- friendship and mentorship
- courage and resilience
- grief and mortality
- the hero’s journey
About this book
Twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer undertakes a cross-country quest from New Hampshire to California to find a mystical talisman that can save his dying mother. His journey carries him back and forth between our world and the Territories, a parallel medieval realm where many people have "twinners"—including Jack’s mother and the Territories’ ailing queen. Pursued by dark forces, Jack must grow into his courage and destiny to unite both worlds’ fates.
Setting: Early 1980s United States (New Hampshire to California) and the Territories, a parallel medieval-feudal universe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Talisman right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Talisman. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 coming of age, good vs. evil, mother–son bond.
How long does it take to read The Talisman?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Talisman takes around 25h to finish. The book has 246,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Talisman have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Talisman has an AR quiz available, worth 36 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 Talisman?
The Talisman has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.