Under Town
by Charles Ogden
Aladdin 2004
Book 3 of Edgar & Ellen
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 3 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- mischief and pranks
- siblings
- creativity and invention
- community secrets
- curiosity
- consequences
- adventure
- problem-solving
About this book
The mischievous twins Edgar and Ellen discover a hidden world beneath their oddball town of Nod’s Limbs. Tunnels, secrets, and strange contraptions spark a new scheme that only these inventive pranksters could hatch. Packed with gothic humor, quirky illustrations, and fast-paced twists, this entry in the series delights readers who enjoy clever tricks and creepy-funny adventures. Great for middle-grade kids who like a Tim Burton–style vibe without the scares.
Setting: The quirky town of Nod’s Limbs and its underground tunnels
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Under Town right for my child?
Yes — Under Town is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 mischief and pranks, siblings, creativity and invention. Note: this is book 3 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Under Town?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Under Town takes around 2.3h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Under Town have an AR quiz?
Yes — Under Town has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Under Town?
Under Town has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.