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The AR Booklist
Framed book cover

Framed

by Carolyn Keene

Simon and Schuster 2012

Great fit for 4th grade

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

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
164
Pages
5
AR Points
4.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • mystery and deduction
  • justice
  • truth vs. appearances
  • loyalty
  • teamwork
  • family honor
  • art and forgery
  • perseverance

About this book

When a young Italian prince arrives in River Heights to deliver a valuable painting to Mrs. Mahoney, he’s suddenly accused of stealing it himself. Nancy Drew and her attorney dad believe he’s been framed and race to uncover the truth. With clues hidden in the art world and pressure from the royal family, Nancy must untangle a web of suspects and motives. Fast-paced chapters, clever twists, and a confident teen sleuth make this a fun mystery for middle-grade readers.

Setting: River Heights in the present day, including a wealthy estate, galleries, and local police stations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Framed right for my child?

Yes — Framed 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 mystery and deduction, justice, truth vs. appearances.

How long does it take to read Framed?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Framed takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Framed have an AR quiz?

Yes — Framed has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Framed?

Framed 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.