Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within
by Erin Hunter
HarperCollins 2020
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- loyalty
- truth vs. deception
- leadership and power
- family bonds
- destiny and prophecy
- courage
- community under strain
About this book
In the fourth book of the Broken Code arc, ThunderClan reels as an impostor rules in Bramblestar’s place, and Squirrelflight risks everything to uncover the truth. With the real Bramblestar’s spirit missing and Rootspring unable to reach him, tensions among the five Clans threaten to erupt. Secrets, shifting loyalties, and dangerous signs from StarClan push the cats toward a breaking point. Fast-paced battles and high-stakes mystery make this installment a gripping read for devoted Warriors fans.
Setting: the lake territories of the warrior Clans—forests, moorland, and riverbanks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within right for my child?
Yes — Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within 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 identity, loyalty, truth vs. deception.
How long does it take to read Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within takes around 8.9h to finish. The book has 88,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within have an AR quiz?
Yes — Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within?
Warriors: The Broken Code #4: Darkness Within 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.