Stop the Clock
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- mystery and investigation
- problem-solving
- teamwork and friendship
- community and heritage
- perseverance
- justice and honesty
- secrets and hidden objects
About this book
When the beloved clock at River Heights’s Mahoney Library is stolen just before the 75th anniversary celebration, Nancy jumps in to crack the case. Clues point to several suspects who all have a reason to want the clock—and what might be hidden inside it. Fast-paced chapters, clever twists, and classic sleuthing make this an inviting mystery for middle-grade readers. Great for kids who enjoy puzzles, teamwork, and smart, clean whodunits.
Setting: River Heights, present day, centered around the Mahoney Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stop the Clock right for my child?
Yes — Stop the Clock is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 mystery and investigation, problem-solving, teamwork and friendship.
How long does it take to read Stop the Clock?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Stop the Clock takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stop the Clock have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stop the Clock 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 Stop the Clock?
Stop the Clock has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.