Broken Anchor
Minstrel 1987
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- treasure hunt
- friendship
- courage
- deception
- teamwork
- resourcefulness
- justice
About this book
Nancy Drew, along with Bess and George, heads to a small island in the Bahamas where whispers of pirate treasure mix with modern-day danger. Clues tied to a weathered anchor pull the girls into a fast-paced hunt across beaches, coves, and hidden passages. Fans enjoy the tropical setting, clever puzzles, and Nancy’s cool-headed problem-solving. Great for middle-grade readers who like classic whodunits with adventure and teamwork.
Setting: a small island in the Bahamas, present day (1980s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Broken Anchor right for my child?
Yes — Broken Anchor is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 treasure hunt, friendship, courage.
How long does it take to read Broken Anchor?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Broken Anchor takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 37,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Broken Anchor have an AR quiz?
Yes — Broken Anchor 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 Broken Anchor?
Broken Anchor has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.