The Secret Keepers
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2016
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- integrity vs. temptation
- secrets and trust
- ingenuity and problem-solving
- family and loyalty
- justice vs. corruption
- perseverance
About this book
Reuben discovers an antique watch with an unbelievable secret and is drawn into a web of hidden passages, shadowy figures, and long-buried clues. Teaming up with clever new friends Penny and Jack and guided by the wise Mrs. Genevieve, he must outsmart a powerful enemy to uncover the truth. Packed with puzzles, narrow escapes, and quiet humor, this standalone adventure will hook fans of smart mysteries. It’s a great pick for upper-elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy long, twisty stories with a touch of magic and a lot of heart.
Setting: a foggy, fictional coastal city with winding alleys and a towering clock
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret Keepers right for my child?
Yes — The Secret Keepers is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 friendship, courage, integrity vs. temptation.
How long does it take to read The Secret Keepers?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Secret Keepers takes around 13h to finish. The book has 127,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Secret Keepers have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Secret Keepers has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Keepers?
The Secret Keepers has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.