Bad Times, Big Crimes
Simon and Schuster 2005
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- mystery and investigation
- time slip/history
- justice
- perseverance
- friendship and teamwork
- truth vs. rumor
- resourcefulness
- family
About this book
Nancy Drew is pulled into a mystery that whisks her back to the 1930s, where a long-ago crime during the Great Depression still casts a shadow. To clear an innocent name, she must piece together clues from both past and present. Fans will enjoy the blend of historical detail, fast-paced sleuthing, and Nancy’s trademark courage and smarts. A great pick for middle-grade readers who like clever puzzles and a strong, resourceful heroine.
Setting: River Heights; present day and the 1930s during the Great Depression
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bad Times, Big Crimes right for my child?
Yes — Bad Times, Big Crimes 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 mystery and investigation, time slip/history, justice.
How long does it take to read Bad Times, Big Crimes?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bad Times, Big Crimes takes around 3.4h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bad Times, Big Crimes have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bad Times, Big Crimes has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Bad Times, Big Crimes?
Bad Times, Big Crimes 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.