A Tale of Two Cities
Putnam Juvenile 1995
Great fit for High School
Reading level and content both target 9th–12th grade · ages 14+
Themes include violence and tyranny
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Genre
Themes
- sacrifice and redemption
- resurrection and transformation
- love and loyalty
- justice vs. vengeance
- class conflict and revolution
- identity and duality
- fate vs. free will
- violence and tyranny
About this book
Dickens’s classic of love, sacrifice, and redemption follows Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton—two men linked by appearance and fate—against the backdrop of the French Revolution. As Paris and London are swept by turmoil, loyalties are tested and a final act of selflessness reshapes every life it touches. This Puffin Classics edition is specially abridged for younger readers.
Setting: London and Paris during the late 18th century, especially the years of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Tale of Two Cities right for my child?
Yes — A Tale of Two Cities is a great fit for High School. The reading level is AR 9.7, which is typical for High School. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include sacrifice and redemption, resurrection and transformation, love and loyalty.
How long does it take to read A Tale of Two Cities?
At a typical High School reading pace, A Tale of Two Cities takes around 9.0h to finish. The book has 135,420 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Tale of Two Cities have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Tale of Two Cities has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Tale of Two Cities?
A Tale of Two Cities has an AR reading level of 9.7, which places it at a High School 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.