Deep Secrets
by Emily Rodda
Scholastic Paperbacks 2006
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- family
- secrets
- courage
- problem-solving
- loyalty
- responsibility
About this book
When Aunt Vivien vanishes from her eerie old home, Mistfall Mansion, Elmo and his friends set out to uncover what really happened. Strange clues, hidden rooms, and unexpected twists pull the team deeper into a puzzling mystery. With steady suspense and plenty of teamwork, this fast-paced read keeps kids guessing without being too scary. Great for middle-grade readers who like clue-hunting, friendship dynamics, and just-right chills.
Setting: a contemporary small town and the crumbling Mistfall Mansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deep Secrets right for my child?
Yes — Deep Secrets is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 friendship, teamwork, family.
How long does it take to read Deep Secrets?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Deep Secrets takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Deep Secrets have an AR quiz?
Yes — Deep Secrets has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Deep Secrets?
Deep Secrets has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.