
At Night
by Jonathan Bean
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2007
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- imagination
- independence
- comfort and reassurance
- family
- urban nature
- nighttime exploration
- solitude
- mindfulness
About this book
A sleepless city girl slips out of her cozy bedroom to find quiet on the rooftop, where the night air, stars, and city sounds help her unwind. With lyrical text and warm ink-and-watercolor art, the story captures the magic of being awake when the world is hushed. It’s a soothing bedtime read for young listeners who love gentle adventures and city settings. Perfect for shared reading at night or for independent dreamers.
Setting: a city apartment and rooftop at night
Frequently Asked Questions
Is At Night right for my child?
Yes — At Night is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include imagination, independence, comfort and reassurance.
How long does it take to read At Night?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, At Night takes around 4m to finish. The book has 300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does At Night have an AR quiz?
Yes — At Night 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 At Night?
At Night has an AR reading level of 1.8, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.