The Tombs of Atuan
Simon and Schuster 2012
Book 2 of Earthsea series
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- identity
- freedom vs. duty
- power and responsibility
- faith and doubt
- courage
- friendship and trust
- tradition vs. change
About this book
Tenar is taken from her family to become Arha, the high priestess of the Nameless Ones, ruling over a shadowy temple and a twisting underground labyrinth. Her solitary, ordered life changes when a wizard named Ged enters the Tombs in search of a powerful ring. As Arha confronts this intruder, she begins to question duty, power, and who she really is. This thoughtful, atmospheric fantasy captivates readers who enjoy rich world-building, moral choices, and quiet suspense.
Setting: the Tombs of Atuan and their underground labyrinth on a remote island in the Earthsea archipelago
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tombs of Atuan right for my child?
Yes — The Tombs of Atuan is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, freedom vs. duty, power and responsibility. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Tombs of Atuan?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Tombs of Atuan takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Tombs of Atuan have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Tombs of Atuan has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Tombs of Atuan?
The Tombs of Atuan has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.