Mystery of the Dark Tower
Open Road Media 2014
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
About this book
A young girl’s life changes forever when she investigates a mystery with the help of writers, artists, and musicians in 1920s Harlem Bessie Coulter has no idea why her father spirits her and her brother, Eddie, away from their home in Burlington, North Carolina, in the middle of the night, leaving their sick mother behind. But from the moment she steps off the train at Grand Central Station, she’s captivated by this teeming, colorful city that’s both scary and exciting. Although Harlem is a thrilling place, Bessie misses her mother and can’t get used to living with her two aunts. She’s lonely and homesick, especially when her father begins going out with a beautiful, well-dressed woman. Desperate to find out what’s going on, Bessie launches an investigation that takes Eddie and her into a world of artists, jazz musicians, and writers, in search of a strange place called the Dark Tower. With the help of their next-door neighbor Lillian Moore and a Caribbean hoodoo woman named Miss Flo, Bessie is determined to uncover the mystery and get her family back together. This ebook includes a historical afterword.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mystery of the Dark Tower right for my child?
Yes — Mystery of the Dark Tower is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated , meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade).
How long does it take to read Mystery of the Dark Tower?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mystery of the Dark Tower takes around 2.5h to finish. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mystery of the Dark Tower have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mystery of the Dark Tower 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 Mystery of the Dark Tower?
Mystery of the Dark Tower has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated — 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.