Circle of Doom
Farrar, Straus & Giroux 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- siblings and family
- superstition vs. reason
- consequences and responsibility
- power of words
- mischief and humor
- empathy and understanding
- friendship and loyalty
About this book
When three squabbling siblings invent a game called the Circle of Doom—where they write down the names of people who’ve annoyed them—odd accidents start happening. Are they really causing bad luck, or is it all coincidence? Told with sharp humor and a touch of eeriness, this family story explores how words and choices can have consequences. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic stories with a spooky twist and lots of sibling drama.
Setting: contemporary suburban England, mostly at home and school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circle of Doom right for my child?
Yes — Circle of Doom is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 siblings and family, superstition vs. reason, consequences and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Circle of Doom?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Circle of Doom takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Circle of Doom have an AR quiz?
Yes — Circle of Doom has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Circle of Doom?
Circle of Doom has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.