Mystery by Moonlight
Simon and Schuster 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- courage
- mystery and investigation
- respect for nature and culture
- secrets and deception
- perseverance
- justice
About this book
Nancy, Bess, and George head to a lakeside cottage for a relaxing getaway, but eerie nighttime noises and unfriendly neighbors quickly turn it into a case. With strange thumps in a house that supposedly has no attic, suspicious photographers setting traps in the woods, and warnings to stay away from a local museum, clues are everywhere. Nancy follows the trail through the campground, along the shoreline, and into the area’s history to separate tricks from truth. Fans of fast-paced, clue-driven mysteries and strong teamwork will enjoy this atmospheric whodunit.
Setting: a mountain lake community with a lakeside cottage, nearby woods, and a summer camp (present day)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mystery by Moonlight right for my child?
Yes — Mystery by Moonlight is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 friendship, teamwork, courage.
How long does it take to read Mystery by Moonlight?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Mystery by Moonlight takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mystery by Moonlight have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mystery by Moonlight 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 Mystery by Moonlight?
Mystery by Moonlight has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.