High Wire
by Charles Ogden
Aladdin 2006
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- mischief and pranks
- sibling rivalry
- ingenuity and invention
- community and belonging
- performance and identity
- rivalry
- consequences of actions
- problem-solving
About this book
Mischievous twins Edgar and Ellen meet their match when a mysterious traveling circus rolls into Nod’s Limbs. Determined to pull off their biggest prank yet—complete with a daring high-wire scheme—they find themselves tangled in rivalries, secrets, and showtime surprises. Packed with dark humor, clever inventions, and fast-paced antics, this installment delights readers who enjoy quirky characters and gleeful mayhem. Great for middle graders who like spooky-funny adventures without real scares.
Setting: the quirky town of Nod’s Limbs and a visiting circus, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Wire right for my child?
Yes — High Wire is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 mischief and pranks, sibling rivalry, ingenuity and invention.
How long does it take to read High Wire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, High Wire takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does High Wire have an AR quiz?
Yes — High Wire has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 High Wire?
High Wire has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.