A Sound of Thunder
by Ray Bradbury
2015
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- Butterfly effect and chaos theory
- Consequences of seemingly small actions
- Ethics and risks of technology
- Human hubris and responsibility
- Fate versus free will
- Political and societal change
About this book
In Ray Bradbury’s classic time-travel short story, a wealthy hunter joins a guided safari millions of years into the past to shoot a Tyrannosaurus rex. Strict rules are meant to prevent any change to history, but a single misstep—crushing a butterfly—unleashes unforeseen consequences when the travelers return to the future.
Setting: A near-future United States (year 2055) and the prehistoric jungle during a commercial time-travel safari to the age of dinosaurs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Sound of Thunder right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Sound of Thunder. The reading level is AR 7, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Butterfly effect and chaos theory, Consequences of seemingly small actions, Ethics and risks of technology.
How long does it take to read A Sound of Thunder?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, A Sound of Thunder takes around 27m to finish. The book has 4,650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Sound of Thunder have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Sound of Thunder has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 A Sound of Thunder?
A Sound of Thunder has an AR reading level of 7, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.