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Unlocked 8. 5 book cover

Unlocked 8. 5

by Shannon Messenger

Simon & Schuster Children's 2020

Great fit for 6th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

6th grade English Children's stories
768
Pages
10
AR Points
7.6h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • friendship
  • identity
  • loyalty
  • secrets
  • trust
  • resilience
  • found family
  • power and responsibility

About this book

This special 8.5 installment in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series bridges the gap after Legacy, combining a fast-paced novella told in alternating chapters from Sophie and Keefe with a detailed series guide. Readers get new revelations, character insights, and world-building extras like dossiers, artwork, and maps. It’s a great pick for fans who love big fantasy adventures, humor, and rich lore. Best for middle-grade readers who are already invested in the series and eager for character-driven twists without major spoilers.

Setting: a hidden elvin world (the Lost Cities) alongside the human world, post-Legacy events

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unlocked 8. 5 right for my child?

Yes — Unlocked 8. 5 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 (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, identity, loyalty.

How long does it take to read Unlocked 8. 5?

At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Unlocked 8. 5 takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Unlocked 8. 5 have an AR quiz?

Yes — Unlocked 8. 5 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 Unlocked 8. 5?

Unlocked 8. 5 has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.