The Hound of the Baskervilles
Candlewick Press (MA) 2006
canon of Sherlock Holmes
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.7 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- reason vs. superstition
- fear and courage
- loyalty and friendship
- justice
- deception and secrets
- family legacy and curses
- observation and deduction
- nature’s power (the moor)
About this book
When a legendary hound is said to haunt the bleak moors of Devonshire, Sherlock Holmes sends Dr. Watson to protect the new heir of the Baskerville estate and uncover the truth behind the chilling curse. The atmosphere is eerie, the stakes are high, and every clue matters as logic battles superstition. This classic mystery is a great fit for strong middle school and high school readers who enjoy clever puzzles, rich settings, and iconic detectives. Fans of suspenseful, gothic-feeling adventures will be hooked.
Setting: Dartmoor, England; late Victorian era
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hound of the Baskervilles right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Hound of the Baskervilles. The reading level is AR 7.7, which is typical for 7th 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 reason vs. superstition, fear and courage, loyalty and friendship.
How long does it take to read The Hound of the Baskervilles?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, The Hound of the Baskervilles takes around 5.6h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Hound of the Baskervilles have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Hound of the Baskervilles has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Hound of the Baskervilles?
The Hound of the Baskervilles has an AR reading level of 7.7, which places it at a 7th 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.