Clue Me In!
The Detective Work of Ethan Flask and Professor Von Offel
by Kathy Burkett, Gordon Korman, Sheila Keenan
Scholastic Paperbacks 2003
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- mystery and deduction
- critical thinking
- friendship and teamwork
- reputation and truth
- integrity
- school life
- perseverance
- justice
About this book
Strange incidents at school have everyone pointing fingers at Ethan Flask—until a set of mysterious footprints turns the case upside down. With the help of the ever-curious Professor Von Offel, Ethan follows clues, sorts facts from rumors, and works to clear his name. Fast-paced chapters, humor, and puzzle-like twists make this an inviting mystery for middle-grade readers. Kids who like to piece together evidence and outsmart the culprit will enjoy playing detective alongside Ethan.
Setting: contemporary middle school
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clue Me In! right for my child?
Yes — Clue Me In! is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 mystery and deduction, critical thinking, friendship and teamwork.
How long does it take to read Clue Me In!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Clue Me In! takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Clue Me In! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Clue Me In! has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Clue Me In!?
Clue Me In! has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.