Missing on Superstition Mountain
by Elise Broach
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2011
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- sibling bonds
- friendship and teamwork
- mystery and investigation
- courage and perseverance
- local legends and folklore (Lost Dutchman Mine)
- rule-breaking and consequences
- survival in the desert
- missing persons and hidden histories
- community and small-town secrets
- curiosity versus caution
About this book
After moving to Arizona, brothers Simon, Henry, and Jack ignore warnings to stay off Superstition Mountain when their cat goes missing. With new neighbor Delilah, they venture into the desert, discover three human skulls, and begin unraveling eerie local legends and long-buried secrets. First in a suspenseful middle-grade mystery series set against the real-life lore of Superstition Mountain.
Setting: Present-day Arizona, primarily on and around Superstition Mountain in the Sonoran Desert near a small town outside Phoenix.
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missing on Superstition Mountain right for my child?
Yes — Missing on Superstition Mountain is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th 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 sibling bonds, friendship and teamwork, mystery and investigation.
How long does it take to read Missing on Superstition Mountain?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Missing on Superstition Mountain takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Missing on Superstition Mountain have an AR quiz?
Yes — Missing on Superstition Mountain has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Missing on Superstition Mountain?
Missing on Superstition Mountain has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th 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.