Forbidden City
by William Bell
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 1996
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- freedom and democracy
- coming of age
- survival
- political oppression
- family bonds
- journalism and media
- moral choices
About this book
When Canadian teen Alex Jackson travels to Beijing with his cameraman father, he expects an adventure—just not the historic student protests that erupt around Tiananmen Square. As demonstrations grow and tensions rise, Alex is pulled into a dangerous struggle for freedom and must make split-second choices to survive. Gripping and fast-paced, this novel blends action with a thoughtful look at courage, truth, and the power of images. A strong pick for teens who like realistic, history-based stories with high stakes.
Setting: Beijing, China, spring 1989 (Tiananmen Square protests)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forbidden City right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Forbidden City. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, freedom and democracy, coming of age.
How long does it take to read Forbidden City?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Forbidden City takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 64,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Forbidden City have an AR quiz?
Yes — Forbidden City 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 Forbidden City?
Forbidden City has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.