The Oracle
by Clive Cussler, Robin Burcell
Penguin 2020
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- treasure hunting
- archaeology and antiquities
- ancient curses and prophecy
- good vs. evil
- teamwork and loyalty
- rescue and justice
- cultural heritage and repatriation
- greed and power
- history’s impact on the present
- ingenuity and problem‑solving
About this book
Treasure hunters Sam and Remi Fargo chase an ancient scroll tied to a sixth‑century Vandal curse. Their search—sparked by a prophecy from an oracle—pulls them from clues in the fallen Vandal Kingdom of North Africa to present‑day West Africa and the Mediterranean, where ruthless rivals, dangerous insurgents, and a deadly legend converge. As the Fargos race to return the sacred text to its rightful home, they confront smugglers, rescue victims of kidnapping, and untangle a historical mystery with modern consequences.
Setting: Dual timeline: 533 A.D. Vandal Kingdom in North Africa (Carthage/Tunisia) and present‑day West Africa/Sahara and the Mediterranean (sites tied to the lost scroll and trade routes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Oracle right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Oracle. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include treasure hunting, archaeology and antiquities, ancient curses and prophecy.
How long does it take to read The Oracle?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Oracle takes around 11h to finish. The book has 112,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Oracle have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Oracle has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Oracle?
The Oracle has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.