Don't Tell Anyone
by Peg Kehret
Puffin Books 2000
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- secrets and honesty
- friendship
- family loyalty
- standing up to threats
- responsibility
- crime and justice
- problem-solving
About this book
When a seventh-grader and her best friend stumble onto evidence tied to a local crime, a chilling warning—"Don't tell anyone"—pulls them into real danger. As the threats escalate, she must decide whom to trust and how to speak up without putting her family at risk. Fast-paced chapters and cliff-hanger moments make this a quick, exciting read. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic suspense with a brave, relatable heroine.
Setting: a contemporary small town in the Pacific Northwest
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Don't Tell Anyone right for my child?
Yes — Don't Tell Anyone 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 courage, secrets and honesty, friendship.
How long does it take to read Don't Tell Anyone?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Don't Tell Anyone takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Don't Tell Anyone have an AR quiz?
Yes — Don't Tell Anyone 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 Don't Tell Anyone?
Don't Tell Anyone 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.