The Tournament at Gorlan
by John Anthony Flanagan
Viking Books for Young Readers 2015
Ranger's Apprentice: The Early Years
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- courage
- friendship
- leadership
- justice vs. corruption
- rebellion and resistance
- mentorship
- duty and honor
About this book
Before Will’s time, Rangers Halt and Crowley uncover a dangerous plot: the power-hungry Morgarath is moving to seize Araluen’s throne. To stop him, they must rally allies, outsmart corrupt officials, and face high-stakes duels at the famed Tournament at Gorlan. Packed with archery, stealth, and sharp humor, this prequel delivers the origin story fans of Ranger’s Apprentice love. It’s a great fit for middle school readers who enjoy fast-paced adventure, strategy, and loyal friendships.
Setting: the medieval-inspired kingdom of Araluen, culminating at the Tournament at Gorlan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tournament at Gorlan right for my child?
Yes — The Tournament at Gorlan is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, 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 loyalty, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Tournament at Gorlan?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Tournament at Gorlan takes around 10h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Tournament at Gorlan have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Tournament at Gorlan has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Tournament at Gorlan?
The Tournament at Gorlan has an AR reading level of 6.6, 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.