Thin air
by David Getz
Holt and Company 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- mystery and investigation
- resourcefulness
- trust
- city life
- independence
- perseverance
About this book
When a best friend seems to disappear without a trace on a busy New York City day, a determined middle schooler refuses to believe people just vanish into thin air. Following small clues through subways, museums, and neighborhoods, she pieces together a mystery that adults have overlooked. The fast pace, city setting, and believable kids make it an inviting read for grades 4–7. It’s a page-turner for readers who enjoy solving puzzles right alongside the characters—without being too scary.
Setting: contemporary New York City, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thin air right for my child?
Yes — Thin air is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th 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, mystery and investigation.
How long does it take to read Thin air?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Thin air takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Thin air have an AR quiz?
Yes — Thin air has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Thin air?
Thin air has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th 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.