Lia Park and the Missing Jewel
by Jenna Yoon
Simon and Schuster 2023
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- Korean mythology and folklore
- Family and loyalty
- Identity and heritage
- Friendship and trust
- Courage and resilience
- Secrets and responsibility
- Good vs. evil
About this book
Twelve-year-old Lia Park, the daughter of secret agents from a hidden magical world, races from California to Korea and into the Dragon King’s undersea kingdom to rescue her kidnapped parents. Drawing on Korean folklore, ancient talismans, and her own growing powers, Lia must solve riddles, outwit an evil diviner, and learn to trust herself and her friends before time runs out.
Setting: Contemporary California and South Korea, including Seoul and the Dragon King's undersea kingdom
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lia Park and the Missing Jewel right for my child?
Yes — Lia Park and the Missing Jewel 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 Korean mythology and folklore, Family and loyalty, Identity and heritage.
How long does it take to read Lia Park and the Missing Jewel?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Lia Park and the Missing Jewel takes around 8.7h to finish. The book has 86,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lia Park and the Missing Jewel have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lia Park and the Missing Jewel 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 Lia Park and the Missing Jewel?
Lia Park and the Missing Jewel 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.