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Unlocked Book 8.5 book cover

Unlocked Book 8.5

by Shannon Messenger

Simon and Schuster 2020

★★★★☆

Great fit for 5th grade

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

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
530
Pages
14
AR Points
9.6h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • friendship
  • identity
  • loyalty
  • trust and secrets
  • courage
  • resilience
  • found family
  • responsibility and choice

About this book

This special installment of Keeper of the Lost Cities picks up after the events of Legacy and alternates between Sophie and Keefe’s points of view, giving fans a deeper look into their choices and challenges. Alongside the novella, readers get a rich companion guide packed with character bios, world details, artwork, and fun extras. It’s perfect for devoted series readers who want more insight into the Lost Cities and their favorite characters. Fast-paced twists, humor, and heart keep pages turning without giving away major surprises.

Setting: the hidden elven world of the Lost Cities in a contemporary fantasy universe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unlocked Book 8.5 right for my child?

Yes — Unlocked Book 8.5 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, loyalty.

How long does it take to read Unlocked Book 8.5?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Unlocked Book 8.5 takes around 9.6h to finish. The book has 95,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Unlocked Book 8.5 have an AR quiz?

Yes — Unlocked Book 8.5 has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Book 8.5?

Unlocked Book 8.5 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.