Hide and Shriek
by R.L. Stine
Simon and Schuster 2025
Fear Street
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.6 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship
- fitting in
- peer pressure
- supernatural mystery
- urban legends
- trust
- facing fears
About this book
New kid Randy moves to Shadyside and gets pulled into the town’s legendary after-dark game of hide-and-seek—played near the eerie woods and the infamous Fear Street. Whispers say the seeker is a ghost, and strange rules make the game feel dangerously real. Short chapters, fast scares, and cliffhangers keep readers turning pages. Perfect for kids who like spooky mysteries with just-right chills and an exciting pace.
Setting: Shadyside’s Fear Street and nearby woods, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hide and Shriek right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Hide and Shriek. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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 courage, friendship, fitting in.
How long does it take to read Hide and Shriek?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Hide and Shriek takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hide and Shriek have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hide and Shriek has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Hide and Shriek?
Hide and Shriek has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.