Alien Secrets
Laurel Leaf 1993
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- trust
- identity and belonging
- prejudice and empathy
- courage
- secrets and truth
- loyalty
- cross-cultural understanding
About this book
Expelled from boarding school, Puck finds herself on a passenger spaceship where she meets Hush, a mysterious alien with a dangerous secret. As the two unlikely friends navigate smugglers, tight corridors, and interstellar customs, they must learn to trust each other to set things right. Fast-paced and character-driven, the story blends suspense with heart and humor. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy space adventure and strong, empathetic friendships.
Setting: aboard an interstellar passenger ship and various spaceports in a future galaxy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alien Secrets right for my child?
Yes — Alien Secrets is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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, trust, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read Alien Secrets?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Alien Secrets takes around 6.2h to finish. The book has 61,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Alien Secrets have an AR quiz?
Yes — Alien Secrets has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Alien Secrets?
Alien Secrets has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.