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The Mystery of the Ivory Charm book cover

The Mystery of the Ivory Charm

by Carolyn Keene

1983

★★★☆☆

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

160
Pages
5
AR Points
4.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • identity
  • courage
  • friendship and loyalty
  • justice
  • cultural heritage
  • animal compassion
  • truth vs. deception
  • perseverance

About this book

Nancy Drew receives a tiny ivory elephant charm that seems to be the key to a troubled boy’s mysterious past. Her search for answers leads her from River Heights to a traveling show filled with secrets, suspicious adults, and a frightened performing elephant. With quick thinking and steady courage, Nancy follows clues that hint at long‑hidden identities and faraway connections. Perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy smart sleuthing, exotic clues, and a fearless heroine.

Setting: River Heights and a traveling circus with ties to India

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Mystery of the Ivory Charm right for my child?

Yes — The Mystery of the Ivory Charm is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 identity, courage, friendship and loyalty.

How long does it take to read The Mystery of the Ivory Charm?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Mystery of the Ivory Charm takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 44,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does The Mystery of the Ivory Charm have an AR quiz?

Yes — The Mystery of the Ivory Charm 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 Mystery of the Ivory Charm?

The Mystery of the Ivory Charm has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.