Invasion
by Katherine A. Applegate
1996
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- identity
- resistance
- secrecy
- power and responsibility
- teamwork
- good vs. evil
About this book
Five ordinary kids witness a strange light in the sky and stumble into a secret alien invasion of Earth. Given the power to morph into animals, they must decide how—and whether—to fight back while keeping their new abilities hidden. Fast-paced action, first-person voice, and high-stakes choices pull readers in. Great for sci-fi fans who like teamwork, suspense, and animal transformations.
Setting: present-day suburban America amid a hidden alien invasion
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invasion right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Invasion. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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 friendship, courage, identity.
How long does it take to read Invasion?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Invasion takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Invasion have an AR quiz?
Yes — Invasion 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 Invasion?
Invasion has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.