A Swiftly Tilting Planet
Square Fish 2007
Book 3 of Time Quintet
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 3 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- time travel
- good vs. evil
- family and ancestry
- courage and sacrifice
- fate vs. free will
- hope and peace
- identity and empathy
About this book
When a global threat looms, fifteen-year-old Charles Wallace journeys through time with the unicorn Gaudior to change a chain of events rooted in the distant past. Guided in spirit by his sister Meg, he must slip into the lives of people across centuries to uncover family secrets and choices that shape the future. Blending science fantasy, history, and moral questions, the story offers high-stakes adventure with a thoughtful, hopeful heart. It’s a great fit for middle-grade readers who enjoy time travel, big ideas, and richly woven family lore.
Setting: Multiple eras across New England and South America (Patagonia), past and present
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Swiftly Tilting Planet right for my child?
Yes — A Swiftly Tilting Planet is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include time travel, good vs. evil, family and ancestry. Note: this is book 3 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read A Swiftly Tilting Planet?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Swiftly Tilting Planet takes around 7.1h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Swiftly Tilting Planet have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Swiftly Tilting Planet has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 A Swiftly Tilting Planet?
A Swiftly Tilting Planet has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.