The Case of the Floating Crime
Simon and Schuster 2012
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- volunteering and service
- courage
- smuggling and crime
- resourcefulness
- teamwork and friendship
- justice
- travel and exploration
- ethics and responsibility
About this book
Nancy volunteers aboard a hospital ship delivering medical care to South America, but a string of suspicious incidents suggests someone is using the vessel for illegal cargo. With ports, patients, and crew to consider, she must untangle clues that surface both on deck and ashore. The pacey mystery blends travel and teamwork as Nancy relies on observation and courage to keep everyone safe. A great pick for readers who enjoy classic, clean mysteries with a global twist.
Setting: aboard a hospital ship visiting ports along the South American coast
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Case of the Floating Crime right for my child?
Yes — The Case of the Floating Crime 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 volunteering and service, courage, smuggling and crime.
How long does it take to read The Case of the Floating Crime?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Case of the Floating Crime takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Case of the Floating Crime have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Case of the Floating Crime 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 The Case of the Floating Crime?
The Case of the Floating Crime 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.