Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney)
by Ellen Potter
Philomel 2009
Great fit for 5th 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.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family
- courage
- self-discovery
- grief and healing
- mystery
- urban magic
- belonging
About this book
Olivia Kidney’s New York City life is anything but ordinary—elevators talk, apartments hide secrets, and clues lead her beneath the streets to a mysterious world. When strange messages and quirky neighbors hint that something important is buried below the city, Olivia follows the trail with courage and curiosity. Along the way she meets unforgettable characters, faces fears, and discovers new truths about herself and her family. This imaginative urban fantasy is perfect for middle-grade readers who love quirky humor, spooky twists, and heartfelt adventures.
Setting: present-day New York City and a hidden world beneath the city
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney) right for my child?
Yes — Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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, family, courage.
How long does it take to read Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney) takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney) has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney)?
Olivia Kidney and the Secret Beneath the City (Olivia Kidney) has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.