Tic-tac-terror
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books 1988
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- espionage
- teamwork
- courage
- loyalty
- deception and double agents
- justice
- trust and betrayal
- technology and surveillance
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy are pulled into a high-stakes espionage case when a world-famous spy tries to defect to the United States. As a secret government agency closes in, the brothers must untangle double-crosses and deadly traps to protect their source. Fast-paced action, gadgets, and clever sleuthing keep the pages turning. Perfect for middle-grade and early-teen readers who like mystery, spy thrills, and brotherly teamwork.
Setting: contemporary 1980s United States and the international spy world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tic-tac-terror right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tic-tac-terror. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include espionage, teamwork, courage.
How long does it take to read Tic-tac-terror?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tic-tac-terror takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tic-tac-terror have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tic-tac-terror has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Tic-tac-terror?
Tic-tac-terror has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.