Larklight
by Philip Reeve
Bloomsbury Childrens Books 2018
Book 1 of Larklight trilogy
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- adventure
- exploration
- family bonds
- courage
- sibling relationships
- steampunk/retro-futurism
- identity and belonging
- satire of empire/colonialism
About this book
Set in an alternate Victorian era where the British Empire stretches across the Solar System, Larklight follows siblings Art and Myrtle on a rollicking, humorous adventure after their home is attacked by strange visitors. With airships, spacefaring pirates, and curious alien creatures, the story blends classic adventure with imaginative steampunk science fiction. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy witty narration, fast-paced plots, and richly illustrated worlds. Kids love its clever wordplay, quirky characters, and big, pulpy sense of wonder.
Setting: an alternate Victorian-era British Empire spanning the Solar System (the Moon, Mars, and beyond) aboard the house-ship Larklight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Larklight right for my child?
Yes — Larklight is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th 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 adventure, exploration, family bonds.
How long does it take to read Larklight?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Larklight takes around 8.2h to finish. The book has 86,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Larklight have an AR quiz?
Yes — Larklight has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Larklight?
Larklight has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.