The White Tower cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 4.7
Points 8.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 51737
Points per Word 0.000155
Page Count 257
Points per Page 0.031128

Description

When Livy is accepted at Temple College, an exclusive school for the most gifted students, no one is more surprised than her. She doesn't think she's very smart at all, but she does have a secret that sets her apart from everyone else.

Quick Summary

If your kid loved "The Mysterious Benedict Society" or "The School for Good and Evil," they'll probably love this one too. Livy is this completely normal-feeling girl who suddenly gets invited to this ultra-exclusive school full of geniuses, which already makes for a fun "what am I doing here?" dynamic that readers can really relate to. The secret Livy's hiding gives the story this great mystery thread that keeps you turning pages, and there's a magical element tied to the white tower itself that feels original rather than derivative. It's got that perfect mix of school adventure, friendship drama, and just enough suspense to make it exciting without being scary. The writing is smart but not stuffy, so even reluctant readers will feel like they're reading something substantial while still being entertained. Parents will appreciate that it's wholesome with themes about belonging and discovering your own strengths, plus it might actually get kids thinking about what makes someone "gifted" in the first place.