A Gambling Man
by David Baldacci
Grand Central Publishing 2021
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.7 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include postwar American identity
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Genre
Themes
- corruption and power
- ambition and reinvention
- justice versus the law
- luck versus skill
- mentorship and partnership
- crime and conspiracy
- postwar American identity
- Hollywood glamour and noir
About this book
World War II veteran Aloysius Archer heads west in 1950 seeking a fresh start and lands in California after a lucky stop in Reno leaves him with cash and a striking red 1939 Delahaye. Teaming up with seasoned PI Willie Dash, Archer is pulled into a glamorous but treacherous world of Hollywood hopefuls, political corruption, and murderous secrets, where luck, grit, and moral resolve are tested at every turn.
Setting: 1950, American West—Reno, Nevada, and coastal California (Bay Town/Los Angeles and Hollywood)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Gambling Man right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Gambling Man. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include corruption and power, ambition and reinvention, justice versus the law.
How long does it take to read A Gambling Man?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Gambling Man takes around 12h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Gambling Man have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Gambling Man has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 A Gambling Man?
A Gambling Man has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.