The Clue of the Broken Locket
1984
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family secrets
- identity
- justice
- courage
- deception
- perseverance
About this book
Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George are drawn into a puzzling mystery when a broken locket and a tangle of family secrets lead them to a lakeside film set and suspicious strangers. Clues surface in unexpected places as Nancy pieces together identities, motives, and a long-buried past. Fans enjoy the fast pace, clever sleuthing, and wholesome teamwork that make Nancy’s adventures timeless. Great for middle-grade readers who like classic, clean mysteries with brave, resourceful heroes.
Setting: River Heights and Misty Lake, mid-20th-century small-town America
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Clue of the Broken Locket right for my child?
Yes — The Clue of the Broken Locket is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 friendship, family secrets, identity.
How long does it take to read The Clue of the Broken Locket?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Clue of the Broken Locket takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Clue of the Broken Locket have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Clue of the Broken Locket 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 Clue of the Broken Locket?
The Clue of the Broken Locket has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.