The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2011
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity
- imagination
- love of learning
- wordplay and language
- friendship
- adventure
- self-discovery
- perseverance
About this book
Bored Milo drives through a mysterious tollbooth and discovers the whimsical Lands Beyond, where words and numbers come alive. Alongside Tock the watchdog and the Humbug, he embarks on a quest that turns puzzling wordplay into eye-opening lessons about curiosity and learning. This annotated edition adds rich background notes, artwork insights, and interviews that deepen the reading experience without changing the beloved story. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy humor, puns, and imaginative adventures.
Setting: the whimsical Lands Beyond, including Dictionopolis and Digitopolis
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth right for my child?
Yes — The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.7, which is typical for 6th 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 curiosity, imagination, love of learning.
How long does it take to read The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth takes around 5.4h to finish. The book has 56,565 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Annotated Phantom Tollbooth?
The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth has an AR reading level of 6.7, which places it at a 6th 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.