Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn
by Gillian Johnson
Hodder Children's Books 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include environmental stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity
- environmental stewardship
- courage
- family
- secrecy and trust
- belonging
- mythical creatures
About this book
Half-mermaid Thora is settling into life on land when she discovers a rare green sea-unicorn in trouble off the coast. Keeping the creature secret while figuring out how to help it pulls Thora into a salty mix of seaside mystery, new friendships, and splashy adventures. Light humor, gentle magic, and a warm family vibe make this a cozy read for middle-grade fans. Kids who like ocean settings and mythical creatures will love diving into Thora’s world.
Setting: a contemporary British seaside town and the open sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn right for my child?
Yes — Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 friendship, identity, environmental stewardship.
How long does it take to read Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn have an AR quiz?
Yes — Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn?
Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.