Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon
by William McCay
Random House 1994
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship and loyalty
- resourcefulness
- cultural exploration
- good vs. evil
- problem-solving
- history and archaeology
About this book
Teenage Indiana Jones finds himself swept into a dangerous mystery in early-1900s China when a dragon-themed artifact puts him on the trail of a hidden secret. Bustling streets, shadowy societies, and ancient sites test his wits and courage at every turn. Fast-paced action, short chapters, and plenty of history make this a great pick for middle-grade readers who love adventure and puzzles. Fans of the Indiana Jones films and globe-trotting mysteries will especially enjoy it.
Setting: China, early 1900s (urban streets and ancient temples)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon right for my child?
Yes — Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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, friendship and loyalty, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 25,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon 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 Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon?
Young Indiana Jones and the face of the dragon has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.