Danger at the Fair
by Peg Kehret
Cobblehill Books/Dutton 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- sibling bonds
- resourcefulness
- doing the right thing
- crime and justice
- perseverance
- responsibility
- problem-solving
About this book
At a crowded state fair, a girl and her younger brother stumble onto a crime in progress and find themselves in a tense chase through midway rides, barns, and exhibition halls. With no adults in sight, they must rely on quick thinking and teamwork to stay safe and get help. Peg Kehret delivers fast-paced suspense with relatable, everyday kids caught in extraordinary danger. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like real-world thrills without gore or heavy violence.
Setting: a bustling state fair, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danger at the Fair right for my child?
Yes — Danger at the Fair is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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 courage, sibling bonds, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read Danger at the Fair?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Danger at the Fair takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Danger at the Fair have an AR quiz?
Yes — Danger at the Fair has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Danger at the Fair?
Danger at the Fair has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.