Clay
by David Almond
Delacorte Press 2008
Dubliners
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include bullying and violence
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Genre
Themes
- faith and doubt
- friendship and loyalty
- creation and responsibility
- temptation and morality
- identity and belonging
- bullying and violence
- power and consequences
- guilt and redemption
About this book
When a mysterious new boy named Stephen arrives in a northern English town, altar boys Davie and Geordie are asked to befriend him. Stephen is a gifted sculptor whose creations seem to blur the line between art and life, drawing Davie into a chilling test of faith, loyalty, and responsibility. This moody, lyrical novel blends everyday life with the uncanny, inviting thoughtful readers to wrestle with big questions about good and evil. Ideal for teens who enjoy atmospheric stories, moral dilemmas, and a touch of the supernatural.
Setting: a small Catholic town in northern England
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clay right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Clay. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include faith and doubt, friendship and loyalty, creation and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Clay?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Clay takes around 8.4h to finish. The book has 76,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Clay have an AR quiz?
Yes — Clay has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Clay?
Clay has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.