The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Original and Uncensored ( Annotated ) By Mark Twain.
by Mark Twain
2019
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- mischief and rules
- coming of age
- courage
- imagination and play
- moral choices
- freedom vs. responsibility
- small-town life
About this book
Mark Twain’s classic follows quick-witted Tom Sawyer as he schemes, explores caves and islands, and tests the boundaries of small-town life along the Mississippi River. With humor and heart, the story captures the energy of childhood friendships and the thrill of make-believe adventures. It’s an engaging read for middle-grade students who enjoy mischief, mysteries, and spirited characters. Parents appreciate its timeless themes and vivid window into 19th-century American life.
Setting: the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer right for my child?
Yes — The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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, mischief and rules, coming of age.
How long does it take to read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer takes around 7.1h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Adventures of Tom Sawyer have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 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 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.