Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery
Penguin 1943
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- courage
- perseverance
- family and brotherhood
- crime and sabotage
- aviation and technology
- problem-solving
- justice
About this book
When two planes mysteriously crash near a coastal airport, teen sleuths Frank and Joe Hardy dive into a high-stakes investigation. A strange discovery—a radioactive engine in a scrapyard—pulls them into a web of sabotage and danger. Packed with fast-paced chases, secret clues, and clever detective work, this classic Hardy Boys mystery keeps readers turning pages. Great for fans of action, aviation, and teamwork-driven whodunits.
Setting: an East Coast town and nearby airfields, mid-20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery right for my child?
Yes — Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 teamwork, courage, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 43,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery?
Hardy Boys 22: The Flickering Torch Mystery has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.