What reading level is Cities?

Cities by Kathleen M. Reilly is at a Level 6-7 reading level (Lexile 960L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Cities appropriate for?

Cities is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11C (Clear).

What genre is Cities?

Cities is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction.

Does Cities have any content warnings?

Cities has a HootRating of 11C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Cities?

Cities by Kathleen M. Reilly is 122 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Cities

Kathleen M. Reilly

Cities

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Discover How They Work

by Kathleen M. Reilly

Illustrated by Casteel, Tom, illustrator

Reading Level 6-7 11C Ages 9-12 Sweet Spot

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Hear the bustling hum of honking cars and chatter as you step onto a busy city street. Feel the smooth pavement beneath your feet and smell the tempting aroma of street food in the air. Discover the secrets behind the buildings, roads, and parks that make cities come alive with energy and life.

Themes

Science & NatureCivic EducationUrban PlanningEducational

Quick Assessment

This engaging middle-grade book introduces readers aged 9-12 to the fundamentals of city life and urban planning through hands-on activities and clear explanations. It offers an accessible exploration of how cities function and grow, making complex civil engineering concepts understandable for young readers. The content is appropriate for this age group, focusing on educational themes without any sensitive material.

Why we rated Cities 11C

Cities is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 960L across 122 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cities works for readers up to grade 8.5.

We rate Cities as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Cities explores science & nature, civic education, urban planning, and educational — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, civic education, urban planning.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.