The Testaments
by Margaret Atwood
Arrow 2020
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- authoritarianism and theocracy
- resistance and rebellion
- power, corruption, and complicity
- female agency and solidarity
- identity and indoctrination
- surveillance and secrecy
- moral ambiguity
- family and inheritance
About this book
Years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, the theocratic Republic of Gilead is decaying from within. Two young women—one raised inside Gilead, one outside in Canada—find their lives drawn toward the formidable Aunt Lydia, whose secret testimony could help bring the regime down. Each must decide how far she will go for freedom, truth, and survival.
Setting: Near-future Gilead (a theocratic United States) and contemporary Canada (primarily Toronto), roughly 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Testaments right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Testaments. The reading level is AR 6.2, 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 authoritarianism and theocracy, resistance and rebellion, power, corruption, and complicity.
How long does it take to read The Testaments?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Testaments takes around 12h to finish. The book has 130,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Testaments have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Testaments has an AR quiz available, worth 23 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 Testaments?
The Testaments has an AR reading level of 6.2, 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.