The Secret of the Soldier's Gold
Franklin W. Dixon
The Secret of the Soldier's Gold
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Hardy Boys #182
by Franklin W. Dixon
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Frank and Joe Hardy race through the narrow streets of Portugal, their hearts pounding as they follow a mysterious map. Suddenly, a shadow moves behind them—someone else wants the treasure too. Will they find the secret soldier’s gold before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows brothers Frank and Joe Hardy as they help an elderly woman search for a hidden treasure in Portugal. Along the way, they face challenges and competition from others seeking the same gold. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book offers an engaging adventure with mild suspense and no intense content.
Why we rated The Secret of the Soldier's Gold 9LP
The Secret of the Soldier's Gold is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 164 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Secret of the Soldier's Gold works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Secret of the Soldier's Gold as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The Secret of the Soldier's Gold explores mystery, adventure, friendship, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 068985885X
- Pages
- 164
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2003-12
- Type
- Fiction