East of the Sun, West of the Moon
by D. J. MacHale, Vivienne Flesher
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers 1992
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- bravery
- love and loyalty
- quests and journeys
- magic and enchantment
- keeping promises
- perseverance
- transformation
- resourcefulness
About this book
This classic Norwegian fairy tale is retold for young readers in a lyrical, picture-book format. A brave girl journeys to lands east of the sun and west of the moon to break a spell on a beloved prince. Lush, atmospheric art and a quest filled with riddles, magic, and courage make it engaging for read-alouds and independent readers alike. Perfect for kids who enjoy timeless tales, strong heroines, and enchanted adventures.
Setting: a Nordic fairy-tale world of icy mountains, enchanted castles, and troll realms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East of the Sun, West of the Moon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include bravery, love and loyalty, quests and journeys.
How long does it take to read East of the Sun, West of the Moon?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, East of the Sun, West of the Moon takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does East of the Sun, West of the Moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — East of the Sun, West of the Moon has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 East of the Sun, West of the Moon?
East of the Sun, West of the Moon has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.