Disappearing acts
Puffin Books 1998
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- curiosity
- problem-solving
- family support
- truth and deception
- mystery and suspense
About this book
Herculeah Jones can’t resist a mystery—especially when someone in her town suddenly vanishes. With her cautious friend Moon at her side and a few overheard tips from her detective mom and police-officer dad, Herculeah follows a trail of curious clues. Short chapters, quick twists, and just-right chills keep readers turning pages. A great pick for grades 4–7 who enjoy fast, clever whodunits without heavy scares.
Setting: contemporary small-town United States; theaters, a beauty salon, and a mysterious old house
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disappearing acts right for my child?
Yes — Disappearing acts is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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, courage, curiosity.
How long does it take to read Disappearing acts?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Disappearing acts takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Disappearing acts have an AR quiz?
Yes — Disappearing acts 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 Disappearing acts?
Disappearing acts has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.