Monkey Island
by Paula Fox
Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. 2016
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- homelessness
- resilience
- friendship
- survival
- found family
- poverty
- hope
- social responsibility
About this book
When 11-year-old Clay Garrity finds himself alone in New York City, he must figure out how to survive on the streets. He meets two homeless adults who help him navigate shelters, soup kitchens, and the dangers of city life. Paula Fox’s compassionate, clear prose makes a tough topic accessible and thought-provoking. A strong choice for middle-grade readers who like realistic stories about resilience, empathy, and found family.
Setting: contemporary New York City, primarily Manhattan streets and parks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Island right for my child?
Yes — Monkey Island is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 homelessness, resilience, friendship.
How long does it take to read Monkey Island?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Monkey Island takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Monkey Island have an AR quiz?
Yes — Monkey Island 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 Monkey Island?
Monkey Island has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.