My kiddo keeps a running total of her Accelerated Reader points. It’s a little spreadsheet she updates after every quiz. She loves seeing that number climb higher and higher. I admit, at first I thought it was a bit much, but it really does motivate her to pick up bigger books, and honestly, if it gets her reading, I'm all for it.
Let’s face it, for some kids, those AR points are the real reward. It’s not just about the story (though hopefully they enjoy those too!). It’s about seeing tangible progress, about hitting a goal, and about getting that instant feedback that yes, they read and understood the book. The points are just a fun way to keep score in the reading game.
So, if your child is looking to seriously boost their point total with some fantasy adventures, there are some real heavy hitters out there. "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley clocks in at a whopping 73 points! It's a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspectives of the women involved. "Rhythm of War" by Brandon Sanderson, at 71 points, is another good choice. And speaking of epics, Sanderson’s "Oathbringer" also earns a massive 69 points. It's a commitment, but the payoff is big. Even those of us who read for fun know that a good challenge makes it worth it.
Now, it's important to be realistic. These are not quick reads! "The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights", for example, is worth 69 points, but it's also at a level 10.6 reading level. "Lord of Chaos", which comes in at 65 points, is part of Robert Jordan’s "Wheel of Time" series. That means it’s book six and, well, there are a lot of books in that series! George R.R. Martin's "A Storm of Swords" gives a respectable 63 points and it's a Level 5.2, but it is definitely a book aimed at mature readers due to its content. These are longer, more complex books that require dedication.
Ultimately, any reading is a win. But if your child is specifically hunting for those high-point earners in the fantasy genre, these are some great books that offer a big reward for the effort. Just remember to check the reading level and content to make sure they are a good fit. Happy reading, and happy point collecting! Whether they get 5 points or 70 points, they read a book, which is what matters!