Dead on Target
Simon Pulse 1991
The Hardy Boys
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- revenge vs. justice
- brotherhood and family
- courage
- loyalty and trust
- crime and terrorism
- duty and responsibility
About this book
In the first Hardy Boys Casefiles novel, Frank and Joe are thrust into a darker, high-stakes mystery after a devastating attack rocks their world. Their hunt for a ruthless terrorist puts them on a collision course with a plot targeting a presidential candidate. Fast-paced chapters, action, and twisty clues keep readers turning pages. A good fit for middle school and early high school readers who like intense mysteries and thrillers.
Setting: contemporary United States and international locations, including Washington, D.C.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dead on Target right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dead on Target. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include grief and healing, revenge vs. justice, brotherhood and family.
How long does it take to read Dead on Target?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dead on Target takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dead on Target have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dead on Target has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Dead on Target?
Dead on Target has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.