The Secret
Scholastic Paperbacks 1997
Book 9 of Animorphs
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
Themes include environmental stewardship
Book 9 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- environmental stewardship
- courage
- teamwork
- identity and ethics
- responsibility
- secrecy
- resistance against invasion
- strategy
About this book
Cassie and the Animorphs feel the Yeerks tightening the net around their secret hideout just as a new threat puts their local forest in danger. With the team under pressure, Cassie must rely on her instincts—and a surprisingly powerful, very smelly new morph—to outsmart the enemy. Fast-paced action, humor, and moral dilemmas make this entry a favorite for middle-grade readers. Great for kids who like animal transformations, teamwork, and high-stakes sci-fi adventures.
Setting: a contemporary American town and surrounding forest during a covert alien invasion
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Secret. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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 environmental stewardship, courage, teamwork. Note: this is book 9 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Secret?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Secret takes around 4.1h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Secret have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Secret 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 Secret?
The Secret has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.