Tunnels
by Roderick Gordon, Brian Williams
Chicken House 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- curiosity
- identity
- family secrets
- friendship
- courage
- conspiracy
- survival
- discovery
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Will Burrows, obsessed with digging, teams up with his friend to investigate strange disappearances and a hidden network of tunnels beneath modern-day London. Their search uncovers a secret underground society with its own rules and dangers. Fast-paced and atmospheric, the story blends mystery and adventure with a touch of sci-fi worldbuilding. Great for tweens and teens who like big discoveries, conspiracies, and cliffhangers.
Setting: present-day London and a vast subterranean world
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tunnels right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tunnels. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include curiosity, identity, family secrets.
How long does it take to read Tunnels?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tunnels takes around 12h to finish. The book has 120,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tunnels have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tunnels has an AR quiz available, worth 19 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 Tunnels?
Tunnels has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.