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The Phantom of Nantucket book cover

The Phantom of Nantucket

by Carolyn Keene

Simon and Schuster 2014

Great fit for 4th grade

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

4th grade English Juvenile Fiction
192
Pages
5
AR Points
4.9h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • friendship
  • teamwork
  • resourcefulness
  • courage
  • community and heritage
  • perseverance
  • truth vs. rumor
  • problem-solving

About this book

Nancy, Bess, and George head to Nantucket to support a friend’s big whaling museum exhibit, only to find the event threatened by a series of spooky sabotages. With a ‘phantom’ on the loose and the opening at risk, Nancy races to sift through clues, suspects, and island secrets. Fast-paced chapters, clever deductions, and seaside atmosphere make this a fun, accessible mystery for middle-grade readers. Fans of sleuthing stories and team problem-solving will enjoy following Nancy’s trail.

Setting: Modern-day Nantucket Island, including a historic whaling museum and seaside town

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Phantom of Nantucket right for my child?

Yes — The Phantom of Nantucket is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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, teamwork, resourcefulness.

How long does it take to read The Phantom of Nantucket?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Phantom of Nantucket takes around 4.9h to finish. The book has 44,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does The Phantom of Nantucket have an AR quiz?

Yes — The Phantom of Nantucket 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 Phantom of Nantucket?

The Phantom of Nantucket has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.