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Dare at the Fair book cover

Dare at the Fair

by Carolyn Keene

Simon and Schuster 2012

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English Juvenile Fiction
55
Pages
1
AR Points
52m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • friendship
  • teamwork
  • problem-solving
  • responsibility
  • honesty
  • perseverance
  • community

About this book

On opening day at the brand-new Big Thrills amusement park, Nancy and her friends are ready for rides and games—until their free passes mysteriously disappear. With the clock ticking and the gates about to close, the girls put their sleuthing skills to work to track down the missing tickets. Short chapters, clues to follow, and a fun fair setting make this a quick, confidence-building read for young mystery fans. Perfect for kids who enjoy teamwork, problem-solving, and a light, suspenseful challenge.

Setting: River Heights and the Big Thrills amusement park, present day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dare at the Fair right for my child?

Yes — Dare at the Fair is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include friendship, teamwork, problem-solving.

How long does it take to read Dare at the Fair?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Dare at the Fair takes around 52m to finish. The book has 7,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Dare at the Fair have an AR quiz?

Yes — Dare at the Fair has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Dare at the Fair?

Dare at the Fair has an AR reading level of 3.5, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.