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The AR Booklist
Fear Itself book cover

Fear Itself

by Andrew Clements

Simon & Schuster Audio 2011

Past Doctor Adventures

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
3
Pages
4
AR Points
3.9h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • friendship
  • courage
  • teamwork
  • standing up for what’s right
  • community vs. big business
  • perseverance
  • responsibility
  • problem-solving

About this book

In this second Keepers of the School adventure, Ben Pratt and his friend Jill race to protect their historic seaside school from a powerful developer. Secret clues, hidden passages, and a centuries-old promise pull the kids deeper into a high-stakes mystery. Fast-paced chapters, puzzles, and close calls keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like teamwork, brainy problem-solving, and just-right suspense.

Setting: a contemporary historic seaside school in coastal New England

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fear Itself right for my child?

Yes — Fear Itself is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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, teamwork.

How long does it take to read Fear Itself?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Fear Itself takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Fear Itself have an AR quiz?

Yes — Fear Itself 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 Fear Itself?

Fear Itself has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.