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The AR Booklist
Night Tourist book cover

Night Tourist

by Katherine Marsh

Scholastic Audio Books 2007

Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up

Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+

Themes include life and death

5th grade English
8
AR Points
5.9h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Edgar Award (Best Juvenile Mystery)

Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • grief and healing
  • friendship
  • life and death
  • identity
  • family bonds
  • courage
  • mystery and discovery

About this book

After a near-accident in New York City, eighth-grader Jack Perdu meets a mysterious girl who leads him into a hidden world of spirits beneath Grand Central Terminal. Drawn by the chance to reconnect with his late mother, Jack embarks on an urban adventure that blends mythology, mystery, and heart. The story balances eerie fun with big questions about grief and memory. It’s a great pick for middle schoolers who like atmospheric fantasies with a twist of mystery.

Setting: modern-day New York City, especially Grand Central Terminal and an underground realm of the dead

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Night Tourist right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Night Tourist. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include grief and healing, friendship, life and death.

How long does it take to read Night Tourist?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Night Tourist takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Night Tourist have an AR quiz?

Yes — Night Tourist has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Night Tourist?

Night Tourist has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.