The Cricket in Times Square

Name: The Cricket in Times Square
Author: Beverly Cleary

Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

Pages: 160
Published: 1960
Reading level: independent
Ages: 7–11
Grades: 2–5

About the book

A country cricket finds a home in a subway newsstand.

AI summary

Warm friendship story. Note: this author entry is a placeholder; original by George Selden.

Why parents choose this book

What makes The Cricket in Times Square worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 7–11 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Chapter book — short chapters and simple plots that build reading stamina.
Kids who tend to love it: Animals, Friendship, Classics, Chapter Books.
Personality fit: social readers who love character-driven stories; animal lovers.

Parents love this book because

Age-appropriate content for the 7–11 band with no significant flags.
Written by Beverly Cleary, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy The Cricket in Times Square if they…

Love animals
Care about characters and friendships

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 7–11 age band.

Things parents should know

No significant content concerns for this age band. Preview with your reader if you want to discuss any specific themes.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

About 4 hours of total reading

Length

160 pages

Difficulty

Chapter book

Works as read-aloud

Works, but often chosen by independent readers

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We think The Cricket in Times Square is a confident pick for the 7–11 age band. It leans into classics in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Beverly Cleary's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.