The End of the Beginning

About this book

Avon the snail has never had an adventure. And adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So with his new friend Edward the ant, Avon sets out on a journey to find the excitement his life has been missing. The travelers meet all manner of wise, weird, and intriguing creatures -- including a dragon! -- and it's not long before their adventures begin.

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See all books like The End of the Beginning→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Adventure title, typically at grades 4–8. Written in the 2000s; pairs with curriculum units on adventure and adventurers and insects; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Maine Student Book Award

  • recommended·4th grade · Mainesource: Maine Student Book Award — Maine's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·5th grade · Mainesource: Maine Student Book Award — Maine's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·6th grade · Mainesource: Maine Student Book Award — Maine's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·7th grade · Mainesource: Maine Student Book Award — Maine's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·8th grade · Mainesource: Maine Student Book Award — Maine's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.

Common questions

What grade level is The End of the Beginning?

The End of the Beginning is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 4–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read The End of the Beginning?

It takes about 2h 40m to read The End of the Beginning (144 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 160 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The End of the Beginning?

The End of the Beginning appears on reading lists for Maine Student Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The End of the Beginning banned in schools?

The End of the Beginning does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

What themes does The End of the Beginning explore?

Central themes in The End of the Beginning include adventure and adventurers, insects, ants, voyages and travels. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.