Through the medicine cabinet
Penguin USA, Inc. 1996
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- parallel worlds
- identity and self-discovery
- curiosity
- bravery
- problem-solving
- friendship
- humor and the supernatural
About this book
Zack is a regular New York City kid who keeps running into seriously weird stuff. A quick trip to the school nurse turns wild when the medicine cabinet becomes a doorway to a strange, opposite world—and another Zack. He has to think fast, keep his cool, and find his way back before the portal closes. Funny, spooky-but-not-scary moments and short chapters make this a great pick for newly independent readers.
Setting: contemporary New York City and a parallel world beyond a medicine cabinet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Through the medicine cabinet right for my child?
Yes — Through the medicine cabinet is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include parallel worlds, identity and self-discovery, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Through the medicine cabinet?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Through the medicine cabinet takes around 50m to finish. The book has 6,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Through the medicine cabinet have an AR quiz?
Yes — Through the medicine cabinet has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Through the medicine cabinet?
Through the medicine cabinet has an AR reading level of 3.4, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.