Needful Things
by Stephen King
Simon and Schuster 2016
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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About this book
Master storyteller Stephen King presents the classic #1 New York Times bestseller about a mysterious store than can sell you whatever you desire—but not without exacting a terrible price in return. The town of Castle Rock, Maine has seen its fair share of oddities over the years, but nothing is as peculiar as the little curio shop that’s just opened for business here. Its mysterious proprietor, Leland Gaunt, seems to have something for everyone out on display at Needful Things…interesting items that run the gamut from worthless to priceless. Nothing has a price tag in this place, but everything is certainly for sale. The heart’s desire for any resident of Castle Rock can easily be found among the curiosities…in exchange for a little money and—at the specific request of Leland Gaunt—a whole lot of menace against their fellow neighbors. Everyone in town seems willing to make a deal at Needful Things, but the devil is in the details. And no one takes heed of the little sign hanging on the wall: Caveat emptor. In other words, let the buyer beware…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Needful Things right for my child?
Yes — Needful Things 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 , meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade).
How long does it take to read Needful Things?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Needful Things takes around 19h to finish. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Needful Things have an AR quiz?
Yes — Needful Things has an AR quiz available. 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 Needful Things?
Needful Things has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated — 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.