The Sword of Summer

About this book

Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

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See all books like The Sword of Summer→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Fantasy title, typically at grades 3–8. Written in the 2010s; pairs with curriculum units on action and myths; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Blue Hen Book Award

  • recommended·3rd grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware'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·4th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware'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 · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware'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 · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware'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 · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware'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 · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware'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 Sword of Summer?

The Sword of Summer is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–8. 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 Sword of Summer?

It takes about 9h 25m to read The Sword of Summer (512 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 565 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Sword of Summer?

The Sword of Summer appears on reading lists for Blue Hen Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Sword of Summer banned in schools?

The Sword of Summer 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 Sword of Summer explore?

Central themes in The Sword of Summer include action, myths, novel, magic. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.