The Tower of Nero
by Rick Riordan
Thorndike Striving Reader 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- redemption
- friendship
- loyalty
- courage
- prophecy and destiny
- found family
- perseverance
About this book
In the finale of the Trials of Apollo, former sun god Apollo—now mortal teen Lester—teams up with demigod Meg for a last, high-stakes quest tied to a dangerous prophecy. Their path leads back to New York and their friends at Camp Half-Blood, where courage, wit, and unlikely allies are their best hope. Fast-paced action, laugh-out-loud humor, and Greek and Roman mythology make this an exciting read for middle-grade fantasy fans. Perfect for kids who like epic quests with heart and plenty of snappy banter.
Setting: modern-day New York City and Camp Half-Blood within a Greco-Roman mythological world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tower of Nero right for my child?
Yes — The Tower of Nero is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 identity, redemption, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Tower of Nero?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Tower of Nero takes around 12h to finish. The book has 117,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Tower of Nero have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Tower of Nero 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 Tower of Nero?
The Tower of Nero has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.