Valley of the Lost
by Emily Rodda
Scholastic 2000
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- teamwork
- loyalty
- perseverance
- deception and truth
- riddles and problem-solving
- temptation
- good vs. evil
About this book
As Lief, Barda, and Jasmine near the end of their quest to restore the Belt of Deltora, they must brave the eerie Valley of the Lost, where riddles, illusions, and a mysterious Guardian test their wits and courage. The stakes are higher than ever, and one wrong choice could trap them forever. Fast-paced action, clever puzzles, and a vivid fantasy world make this a favorite for middle-grade readers who love high-stakes adventures. Ideal for fans of short, gripping fantasy chapters and loyal-crew quests.
Setting: the cursed Valley of the Lost in the kingdom of Deltora
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley of the Lost right for my child?
Yes — Valley of the Lost is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 courage, teamwork, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Valley of the Lost?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Valley of the Lost takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 25,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Valley of the Lost have an AR quiz?
Yes — Valley of the Lost has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Valley of the Lost?
Valley of the Lost has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.