Gideon the Cutpurse
SIMON & SCHUSTER CHI 2006
Book 1 of The Gideon Trilogy
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- time travel
- friendship
- courage
- loyalty
- identity
- good vs. evil
- history vs. modernity
- survival
About this book
When two modern-day kids are accidentally hurled back to eighteenth-century England, they must navigate a world of highwaymen, cutpurses, and court intrigue with the help of a reluctant outlaw named Gideon. Blending time-travel science with rich historical detail, this adventure explores how resourcefulness and loyalty can bridge centuries. Fast-paced action, cliffhangers, and a vivid sense of place make it a hit with middle-grade readers who like history mixed with sci‑fi thrills. Ideal for fans of high-stakes adventures and series fiction.
Setting: present-day England and 18th-century England (especially London), circa 1763
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gideon the Cutpurse right for my child?
Yes — Gideon the Cutpurse is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 time travel, friendship, courage.
How long does it take to read Gideon the Cutpurse?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gideon the Cutpurse takes around 12h to finish. The book has 115,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gideon the Cutpurse have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gideon the Cutpurse has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Gideon the Cutpurse?
Gideon the Cutpurse has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.