Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery
National Geographic Books 1945
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
- teamwork
- detective work
- courage
- perseverance
- family
- technology and communication
- justice
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy chase a gang of thieves after a strange heist at a country auction—someone stole a lot full of stuffed animals. Clues point to secret messages sent over short‑wave radio, linking the thefts to an industrial spy ring their father is investigating. The trail takes the brothers from Bayport into the rugged wilds of Northern Canada, where quick thinking and teamwork are a must. Fast-paced action, clever clues, and classic Hardy Boys camaraderie make this a fun pick for mystery-loving middle graders.
Setting: Bayport and the wilds of Northern Canada, mid-20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery right for my child?
Yes — Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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, detective work, courage.
How long does it take to read Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 46,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave 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 24: the Short-Wave Mystery?
Hardy Boys 24: the Short-Wave Mystery has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.