The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
Stories
by Stephen King
Simon and Schuster 2016
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and its consequences
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Genre
Themes
- mortality and aging
- grief and loss
- fate vs. free will
- guilt and redemption
- the uncanny in everyday life
- addiction and obsession
- violence and its consequences
- apocalypse and aftermath
- technology’s dark side
- American small-town life
- storytelling and memory
About this book
Stephen King’s collection of short fiction—ranging from horror and dark fantasy to psychological suspense—gathers previously published and new stories, framed by King’s candid, autobiographical notes on when, why, and how each piece was written.
Setting: Varied settings across contemporary and historical America—often small-town New England (especially Maine)—with select stories in other locales and speculative or near-future scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bazaar of Bad Dreams right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th 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 mortality and aging, grief and loss, fate vs. free will.
How long does it take to read The Bazaar of Bad Dreams?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Bazaar of Bad Dreams takes around 18h to finish. The book has 191,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Bazaar of Bad Dreams have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Bazaar of Bad Dreams has an AR quiz available, worth 27 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 The Bazaar of Bad Dreams?
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th 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.