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Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff book cover

Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff

by Franklin W. Dixon

Penguin 1927

Great fit for 5th grade

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

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
200
Pages
6
AR Points
4.3h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • brotherhood
  • courage
  • teamwork
  • justice
  • resourcefulness
  • perseverance
  • mystery and investigation
  • loyalty

About this book

Frank and Joe Hardy investigate a spooky house perched above Barmet Bay after a terrifying scream shatters the night. What begins as a ghostly mystery soon ties into their detective father's smuggling case, pulling the brothers into hidden caves and dangerous waters. Fast-paced chapters, cliffhangers, and clever sleuthing keep readers turning pages. Perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy teamwork, puzzles, and just-right suspense.

Setting: the coastal town of Bayport and a cliffside mansion above Barmet Bay, with sea caves below

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff right for my child?

Yes — Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th 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 brotherhood, courage, teamwork.

How long does it take to read Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 43,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff have an AR quiz?

Yes — Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff?

Hardy Boys 02: the House on the Cliff has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th 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.