Secrets of the Cicada Summer
by Andrea Beaty
ABRAMS 2011
Great fit for 4th 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
- friendship
- secrets
- trust and betrayal
- bullying
- family
- grief and healing
- courage
- identity
About this book
Eleven-year-old Lily worships Nancy Drew and plans to keep her own painful secret locked away—until bold, slippery Tinny Bridges blows into their small town. When odd little thefts and lies start pointing at Lily, she uses her detective smarts to untangle what’s really going on. This is a warm, suspenseful summer story about trust, truth, and finding your voice. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like realistic mysteries with heart.
Setting: A small Midwestern town during a hot summer with a cicada emergence
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Secrets of the Cicada Summer right for my child?
Yes — Secrets of the Cicada Summer is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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, secrets, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read Secrets of the Cicada Summer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Secrets of the Cicada Summer takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Secrets of the Cicada Summer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Secrets of the Cicada Summer 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 Secrets of the Cicada Summer?
Secrets of the Cicada Summer has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.