The Secret of the Old Clock
Aegitas 2025
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- mystery and investigation
- justice and fairness
- resourcefulness
- perseverance
- integrity
- community and generosity
- class and wealth
About this book
Nancy Drew takes on her very first case when a missing will could change the fortunes of several struggling families in River Heights. Following puzzling clues and trusting her instincts, Nancy’s investigation leads her to old secrets, new friends, and a race against some less-than-honest rivals. With a brisk pace and clever twists, this classic mystery showcases Nancy’s courage, kindness, and problem-solving skills. A great fit for middle-grade readers who enjoy sleuthing and strong, independent heroes.
Setting: River Heights, a Midwestern town, 1930s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret of the Old Clock right for my child?
Yes — The Secret of the Old Clock 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 mystery and investigation, justice and fairness, resourcefulness.
How long does it take to read The Secret of the Old Clock?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Secret of the Old Clock takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Secret of the Old Clock have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Secret of the Old Clock 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 of the Old Clock?
The Secret of the Old Clock 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.