Boardwalk Bust
Aladdin Paperbacks 2005
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- crime and justice
- bravery
- resourcefulness
- loyalty
- perseverance
- deception
- problem-solving
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy are assigned an ATAC mission on the Jersey Shore, where a string of bold jewelry heists has everyone on edge. Going undercover on the Ocean Grove boardwalk, the brothers chase leads from crowded shops to the skies above the beach. Fast-paced action, short chapters, and clever twists keep readers turning pages. Perfect for mystery fans who enjoy teamwork, techy gadgets, and high-stakes sleuthing without heavy content.
Setting: Ocean Grove and the Jersey Shore boardwalk, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boardwalk Bust right for my child?
Yes — Boardwalk Bust is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 teamwork, crime and justice, bravery.
How long does it take to read Boardwalk Bust?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Boardwalk Bust takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Boardwalk Bust have an AR quiz?
Yes — Boardwalk Bust 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 Boardwalk Bust?
Boardwalk Bust has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.