Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd
by Mark Crilley
Dell Yearling 2001
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- courage
- friendship
- problem-solving
- perseverance
- responsibility
- adventure
- exploration
About this book
When Kansas fifth-grader Akiko is called back to the planet Smoo, she and her quirky crew must face the towering Great Wall of Trudd and the strange challenges that lie beyond it. Packed with humor, clever gadgets, and quick-thinking escapes, this fast-paced space adventure celebrates brains over brawn. Readers who enjoy imaginative worlds and loyal friends working together will find plenty to love. Great for middle-grade readers ready for a fun, episodic sci‑fi quest.
Setting: the planet Smoo, crossing the formidable Great Wall of Trudd; contemporary Earth to outer space
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd right for my child?
Yes — Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 teamwork, courage, friendship.
How long does it take to read Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd have an AR quiz?
Yes — Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd?
Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.