The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics)
HarperCollins UK 2012
Great fit for 6th 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
- curiosity and learning
- imagination
- wordplay and language
- friendship
- self-discovery
- perseverance
- adventure/quest
About this book
Bored with everything, Milo discovers a mysterious tollbooth that whisks him into the whimsical Kingdom of Wisdom. With Tock the watchdog and the Humbug, he journeys through lands where words and numbers come alive. Packed with clever puns and puzzles, the story celebrates curiosity, learning, and seeing the world in new ways. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy smart humor and imaginative adventures.
Setting: the Kingdom of Wisdom—a whimsical, pun-filled realm including Dictionopolis and Digitopolis; begins in Milo’s modern-day world
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics) right for my child?
Yes — The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics) 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 and learning, imagination, wordplay and language.
How long does it take to read The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics)?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics) takes around 5.4h to finish. The book has 56,565 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics) 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 Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics)?
The Phantom Tollbooth (Essential Modern Classics) 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.