A Secret in Time
Simon and Schuster 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- resourcefulness
- justice
- perseverance
- community history
- problem-solving
About this book
Nancy, Bess, and George are thrilled when the famous clock from The Secret of the Old Clock comes to River Heights—until a puzzling theft sets a new mystery in motion. Following clues tied to the town’s history, the friends race against time to uncover who is behind the disappearance. Fast-paced chapters, clever red herrings, and classic sleuthing make this a fun pick for fans of Nancy Drew. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like smart puzzles, friendship, and a dash of danger—with no scary content.
Setting: River Heights and a local museum, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Secret in Time right for my child?
Yes — A Secret in Time is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, teamwork, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read A Secret in Time?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Secret in Time takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Secret in Time have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Secret in Time has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 A Secret in Time?
A Secret in Time has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.