The Golden Apples of the Sun
by Ray Bradbury
HarperCollins 2017
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- Technology versus humanity
- The cost of curiosity
- Memory and nostalgia
- Isolation and connection
- Consequences of time travel
- Nature’s power and mystery
- Conformity and individuality
- Exploration and the unknown
- Fate and choice
- Ethics of scientific progress
About this book
A landmark collection of 32 short stories by Ray Bradbury that blend wonder, terror, and lyricism. From a lonely lighthouse calling a primordial sea creature to a perilous time-travel safari 60 million years in the past, from Venus’s unending rain to a solar ship skimming the sun, these tales explore technology, human longing, and the uncanny with Bradbury’s signature poetic touch.
Setting: Varied settings including mid-20th-century Earth, a coastal lighthouse, prehistoric eras (time-travel safari), Venusian rainforests, outer space, and a solar-harvesting ship near the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Golden Apples of the Sun right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Golden Apples of the Sun. The reading level is AR 6.3, 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 Technology versus humanity, The cost of curiosity, Memory and nostalgia.
How long does it take to read The Golden Apples of the Sun?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Golden Apples of the Sun takes around 9.1h to finish. The book has 95,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Golden Apples of the Sun have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Golden Apples of the Sun has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Golden Apples of the Sun?
The Golden Apples of the Sun has an AR reading level of 6.3, 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.