Abarat
by Clive Barker
HarperCollins 2013
The Books of Abarat
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- identity
- good vs. evil
- destiny and choice
- friendship
- imagination
- self-discovery
- adventure
About this book
Candy Quackenbush longs to escape her dull Minnesota town—and gets her chance when she’s swept into the vivid, perilous islands of the Abarat, where each island is ruled by a different hour of the day. Alongside strange allies and menacing foes, Candy discovers she may be connected to this world in ways she never imagined. Lush paintings and fantastical creatures make the adventure feel cinematic and immersive. Ideal for confident middle school and high school readers who enjoy dark, imaginative fantasy with epic stakes.
Setting: present-day Minnesota and the fantastical archipelago of the Abarat (twenty-five islands, one for each hour)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abarat right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Abarat. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, identity, good vs. evil.
How long does it take to read Abarat?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Abarat takes around 10h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Abarat have an AR quiz?
Yes — Abarat has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Abarat?
Abarat has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th 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.