Tricky Business
Pocket Books 1988
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- deception and scams
- courage
- problem-solving
- justice
- perseverance
- brotherhood
- truth vs. appearances
About this book
Frank and Joe Hardy take on a case packed with cons, clever stunts, and high-stakes sabotage when a wave of ‘tricks’ turns dangerously real. The brothers go undercover, follow puzzling clues, and outsmart suspects who are masters of misdirection. Fast pacing, short chapters, and plenty of action make it a hit with mystery fans. Great for middle-grade readers who like teamwork, gadgets, and twisty plots without heavy content.
Setting: modern-day Bayport and surrounding areas, late 1980s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tricky Business right for my child?
Yes — Tricky Business is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 teamwork, deception and scams, courage.
How long does it take to read Tricky Business?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tricky Business takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tricky Business have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tricky Business 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 Tricky Business?
Tricky Business has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.