Crime in the Kennel
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books 1995
The Hardy Boys
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- brotherhood
- justice
- animal welfare
- perseverance
- community
- resourcefulness
- truth vs. deception
About this book
When prized dogs begin disappearing around Bayport, teen detectives Frank and Joe Hardy are on the case. From shady breeders to a suspicious kennel, each clue pulls the brothers deeper into a fast-paced dognapping ring. Packed with twists, close calls, and classic Hardy Boys teamwork, this mystery keeps pages turning. A great pick for animal lovers and fans of action-filled, clue-driven stories.
Setting: Bayport, a contemporary coastal town
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crime in the Kennel right for my child?
Yes — Crime in the Kennel 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 teamwork, brotherhood, justice.
How long does it take to read Crime in the Kennel?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Crime in the Kennel takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Crime in the Kennel have an AR quiz?
Yes — Crime in the Kennel 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 Crime in the Kennel?
Crime in the Kennel 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.