The Kidnappers
Simon and Schuster 2016
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- truth vs. credibility
- bullying
- courage
- responsibility
- friendship and loyalty
- perseverance
- justice
- trust
About this book
Eleven-year-old Joey has a big imagination—and a reputation for stretching the truth. So when he insists he saw the class bully forced into a car outside their elite New York City school, nobody believes him. Determined to prove what he saw, Joey starts investigating and soon finds himself in deeper than he expected. Fast-paced and suspenseful, this mystery appeals to middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic stakes, humor, and a brave kid determined to do the right thing.
Setting: contemporary New York City, an elite private school and surrounding neighborhoods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kidnappers right for my child?
Yes — The Kidnappers 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 truth vs. credibility, bullying, courage.
How long does it take to read The Kidnappers?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Kidnappers takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 46,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Kidnappers have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Kidnappers 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 The Kidnappers?
The Kidnappers 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.