The Glass Mountain
by Nonny Hogrogian, Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm
Knopf Books for Young Readers 1985
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- perseverance
- magic and enchantment
- quest
- love and loyalty
- destiny
- kindness
About this book
This classic Grimm tale, retold and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Nonny Hogrogian, follows a brave youth who attempts to free a princess under an enchantment that has turned her into a raven. Lush, evocative art and clear storytelling bring the magic, danger, and wonder of old-world folklore to life. Ideal for young listeners and early independent readers who enjoy quests and fairy tales, it offers a satisfying adventure without being scary. Families appreciate its timeless message about courage, kindness, and perseverance.
Setting: a fairy-tale kingdom centered on an enchanted glass mountain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Glass Mountain right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Glass Mountain. The reading level is AR 4.1, 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 courage, perseverance, magic and enchantment.
How long does it take to read The Glass Mountain?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Glass Mountain takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,050 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Glass Mountain have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Glass Mountain 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 The Glass Mountain?
The Glass Mountain has an AR reading level of 4.1, 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.