King and Maxwell
by David Baldacci
Grand Central Publishing 2013
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- conspiracy
- government secrecy
- loyalty and trust
- family bonds
- justice vs. corruption
- friendship and partnership
- survival
- truth and deception
About this book
After a teen learns his soldier father was reported killed in Afghanistan, he receives a mysterious message that suggests his dad may still be alive. Former Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell take the case, uncovering a dangerous conspiracy that puts them—and the boy—in the crosshairs as they race to uncover the truth behind the soldier’s fate.
Setting: Contemporary United States, primarily Washington, D.C. and Virginia, with ties to the Afghanistan war
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is King and Maxwell right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for King and Maxwell. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th 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 conspiracy, government secrecy, loyalty and trust.
How long does it take to read King and Maxwell?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, King and Maxwell takes around 11h to finish. The book has 112,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does King and Maxwell have an AR quiz?
Yes — King and Maxwell has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 King and Maxwell?
King and Maxwell has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th 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.