The Young Unicorns
Book Three of The Austin Family Chronicles
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family bonds
- coming of age
- courage
- ethics of technology
- faith and spirituality
- trust and loyalty
- community
- urban life
About this book
In this Austin Family Chronicles novel, the Austins have moved to New York City, where city life, new friendships, and secretive goings-on test their close-knit bonds. Vicky observes her family drifting in different directions as strange events surround their neighborhood and a grand cathedral nearby. The story blends suspense with questions about responsibility, faith, and the power of technology. Readers who enjoy smart, character-driven mysteries with a touch of science will be drawn in.
Setting: contemporary New York City, largely around the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Young Unicorns right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Young Unicorns. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th 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 family bonds, coming of age, courage.
How long does it take to read The Young Unicorns?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Young Unicorns takes around 8.9h to finish. The book has 88,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Young Unicorns have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Young Unicorns has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Young Unicorns?
The Young Unicorns has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th 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.