Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning
Penguin 1938
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- mystery
- teamwork
- courage
- family
- justice
- treasure hunt
- deception
- seafaring adventure
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy dive into a maritime mystery involving a shipwreck near Whalebone Island and a priceless golden head of an ancient pharaoh. Asked to help their famous detective father, the boys chase clues, question suspects, and brave dangerous waters to uncover the truth. With fast-paced action and clever sleuthing, this entry in the classic series keeps readers turning pages. Great for mystery fans who enjoy teamwork, puzzles, and high-stakes adventure without scary content.
Setting: coastal East Coast near Whalebone Island and a shipwreck site, mid-20th century
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning right for my child?
Yes — Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning 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 mystery, teamwork, courage.
How long does it take to read Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning 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 Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning?
Hardy Boys 17: The Secret Warning 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.