Simple Genius
by David Baldacci
Grand Central Publishing 2007
Book 3 of King and Maxwell
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Trauma and recovery, Violence and power
Book 3 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- Espionage and government secrecy
- Codes and cryptography
- Genius and neurodiversity
- Trauma and recovery
- Loyalty and partnership
- Conspiracy and corruption
- Trust and betrayal
- Violence and power
About this book
Ex–Secret Service partners Sean King and Michelle Maxwell investigate a suspicious death at Babbage Town, a hush‑hush research enclave across from a CIA training facility, drawing them into a web of cryptography, espionage, and murder that centers on an autistic prodigy whose gifts may unlock a deadly secret.
Setting: Coastal Virginia near Camp Peary (the CIA’s “Farm”) and the Washington, D.C. area; Babbage Town research compound on the river
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Genius right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Simple Genius. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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 Espionage and government secrecy, Codes and cryptography, Genius and neurodiversity. Note: this is book 3 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Simple Genius?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Simple Genius takes around 14h to finish. The book has 139,276 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Simple Genius have an AR quiz?
Yes — Simple Genius has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 Simple Genius?
Simple Genius has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.