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The AR Booklist
Squeeze Play book cover

Squeeze Play

by Carolyn Keene

Simon and Schuster 2014

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

5th grade English Young Adult Fiction
164
Pages
6
AR Points
4.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • courage
  • friendship
  • family
  • integrity
  • teamwork
  • pressure and choices
  • crime and justice
  • perseverance

About this book

When the star pitcher of the River Heights Falcons receives a chilling demand to throw the championship game in exchange for his kidnapped daughter’s safety, Nancy Drew steps in. With Bess and George at her side, Nancy digs into the world of high-stakes sports, shady deals, and mounting pressure. The case races from ballparks to backrooms as clues point to sabotage on and off the field. Fast-paced and suspenseful, this mystery appeals to fans who like athletic settings, smart sleuthing, and brave friends who never give up.

Setting: River Heights and local baseball venues, present day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squeeze Play right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Squeeze Play. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include courage, friendship, family.

How long does it take to read Squeeze Play?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Squeeze Play takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Squeeze Play have an AR quiz?

Yes — Squeeze Play has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Squeeze Play?

Squeeze Play has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.