Devil's Waltz
by Jonathan Kellerman
1993
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include child endangerment and abuse
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Genre
Themes
- Munchausen syndrome by proxy
- child endangerment and abuse
- medical ethics
- hospital politics and bureaucracy
- power and control
- deception and manipulation
- parent–child relationships
- trust and betrayal
- justice and moral responsibility
- psychological investigation
About this book
Child psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware is called to Western Pediatrics Hospital to consult on a little girl suffering from a baffling, recurring illness. As he suspects Munchausen syndrome by proxy and probes hospital politics, the case spirals into deception and murder, forcing Delaware and Milo Sturgis to untangle a deadly web within the medical establishment.
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles, centered on Western Pediatrics Hospital and surrounding medical and urban locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Devil's Waltz right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Devil's Waltz. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th 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 Munchausen syndrome by proxy, child endangerment and abuse, medical ethics.
How long does it take to read Devil's Waltz?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Devil's Waltz takes around 15h to finish. The book has 160,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Devil's Waltz have an AR quiz?
Yes — Devil's Waltz has an AR quiz available, worth 22 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 Devil's Waltz?
Devil's Waltz has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th 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.