Cave-In
by Franklin W. Dixon, Wendy Barish
Minstrel 1987
Book 14 of Star Trek
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 14 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- brotherhood
- teamwork
- courage under pressure
- kidnapping
- deception
- investigation and clues
- survival
- crime and justice
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy go undercover with a film crew at a snowbound ski resort after a movie star vanishes. What starts as a search quickly turns into a high-stakes mystery packed with stunts, sabotage, and shifting suspects. Fast-paced action, brotherly teamwork, and cliffhanger moments keep readers turning pages. A great pick for middle-grade mystery fans who enjoy smart sleuthing and wintery adventure.
Setting: a snowbound mountain ski resort and movie set
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cave-In right for my child?
Yes — Cave-In 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 brotherhood, teamwork, courage under pressure. Note: this is book 14 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Cave-In?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Cave-In takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cave-In have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cave-In has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Cave-In?
Cave-In 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.