City of names
Viking 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- power of words
- responsibility
- choices and consequences
- identity
- friendship
- imagination
- ethics
About this book
A curious middle-schooler discovers a mysterious book that reveals the secret, true names of things—and learns that saying those names can change the world in surprising ways. What starts as playful experiments at school soon spirals into unintended consequences, pushing him to figure out how to set things right. The story blends everyday life with gentle magic, celebrating language, imagination, and the responsibility that comes with power. Great for readers who enjoy clever wordplay and a touch of wonder.
Setting: contemporary small town and school with a hidden layer of magical names
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is City of names right for my child?
Yes — City of names 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 power of words, responsibility, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read City of names?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, City of names takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does City of names have an AR quiz?
Yes — City of names has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 City of names?
City of names 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.