Sword Thief
Scholastic Audio 2009
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- trust and betrayal
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- adventure
- history and culture
- courage
- competition
About this book
In the third 39 Clues adventure, siblings Amy and Dan Cahill race to Japan following a trail of clues linked to legendary swords and samurai history. With dangerous relatives on their heels, they must decide who to trust—and when to team up with rivals—to stay one step ahead. Fast-paced action, codes, and real-world history keep readers turning pages. Great for middle-grade readers who love globe-trotting mysteries and teamwork under pressure.
Setting: modern-day Japan and other international locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sword Thief right for my child?
Yes — Sword Thief is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 family, trust and betrayal, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Sword Thief?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Sword Thief takes around 4.4h to finish. The book has 39,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sword Thief have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sword Thief 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 Sword Thief?
Sword Thief has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.