Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books)
by Cheryl Harness
Aladdin 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- innovation
- perseverance
- engineering and technology
- teamwork and community
- American history
- problem-solving
- transportation
- vision and leadership
About this book
This richly illustrated nonfiction picture book tells the story of how workers and communities built the Erie Canal across New York in the early 1800s. Cheryl Harness blends lively narrative with labeled drawings, maps, and timelines to show how locks worked and why the canal changed America. It’s a great fit for kids curious about history, inventions, and how big projects come together. Detailed art and clear explanations make it engaging for strong elementary readers and middle grade students.
Setting: New York State during the construction of the Erie Canal, 1817–1825
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books) right for my child?
Yes — Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 innovation, perseverance, engineering and technology.
How long does it take to read Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books) takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books) has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books)?
Amazing Impossible Erie Canal (Aladdin Picture Books) has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.