The Journal of Curious Letters
2018
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- problem-solving
- teamwork
- destiny and choice
- good vs. evil
- identity
- perseverance
About this book
When twelve strange letters arrive with brain-teasing clues, seventh-grader Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom is pulled into a secret mission that spans parallel realities. Along with new friends, he must solve each puzzle to stop a looming catastrophe—and find out why he was chosen. Fast-paced, clever, and filled with riddles, this adventure hooks readers who love codes, mysteries, and big what-ifs. A great pick for confident middle-grade readers ready for an epic, reality-bending quest.
Setting: contemporary Pacific Northwest and multiple parallel realities
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Journal of Curious Letters right for my child?
Yes — The Journal of Curious Letters is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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, courage, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read The Journal of Curious Letters?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Journal of Curious Letters takes around 10h to finish. The book has 103,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Journal of Curious Letters have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Journal of Curious Letters has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Journal of Curious Letters?
The Journal of Curious Letters has an AR reading level of 5, 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.