Paperquake
by K. Reiss, Kathryn Reiss
Tandem Library 2002
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- time travel
- identity
- family
- destiny vs. choice
- courage
- anxiety and healing
- historical disaster
- mystery
About this book
A quiet, anxious teen who grew up in her family’s antique map shop in San Francisco discovers an old letter that seems eerily addressed to her. As she digs into the city’s past, she begins slipping toward the time of the 1906 earthquake and uncovers a mystery that links her life to a girl long ago. The story blends history, suspense, and a touch of time travel into a page-turning puzzle. Perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, historical detail, and unraveling secrets.
Setting: contemporary and 1906 San Francisco; an antiquarian map shop
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paperquake right for my child?
Yes — Paperquake is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th 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 time travel, identity, family.
How long does it take to read Paperquake?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Paperquake takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Paperquake have an AR quiz?
Yes — Paperquake has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Paperquake?
Paperquake has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th 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.