Cold Tom
by Sally Prue
Oxford University Press 2002
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- belonging
- otherness
- empathy
- nature vs. civilization
- transformation
- family
- survival
About this book
Cold Tom follows a feral, elf-like boy cast out from his tribe and forced to survive on the edges of the human world he’s been taught to fear. As Tom navigates city streets and a strange new family, he begins to question who he is and what it means to feel. The story blends myth and modern life with an atmospheric, suspenseful tone. Perfect for readers who like thought-provoking fantasy about identity and belonging.
Setting: contemporary Britain, on the edge of a housing estate and nearby wild common/woods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cold Tom right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Cold Tom. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, belonging, otherness.
How long does it take to read Cold Tom?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Cold Tom takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cold Tom have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cold Tom 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 Cold Tom?
Cold Tom has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.