
City in the Clouds
by Tony Abbott
Scholastic 1999
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- bravery
- teamwork
- good vs. evil
- loyalty
- problem-solving
- magic
- adventure
About this book
When Eric, Julie, and Neal step through the hidden stairs into Droon, they discover a magical city floating high above the clouds. With Princess Keeah, they must outsmart tricky creatures and a looming evil to keep Droon safe. Fast-paced chapters, cliff-hanger moments, and plenty of humor make this an inviting read for young fantasy fans. Great for newly independent readers who love adventure and series they can collect.
Setting: the fantasy world of Droon and a floating city in the clouds, reached from a suburban basement
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City in the Clouds right for my child?
Yes — City in the Clouds is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.3, which is typical for 3rd 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 friendship, bravery, teamwork.
How long does it take to read City in the Clouds?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, City in the Clouds takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 9,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does City in the Clouds have an AR quiz?
Yes — City in the Clouds has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 City in the Clouds?
City in the Clouds has an AR reading level of 3.3, which places it at a 3rd 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.