Southern Cross
by Patricia Daniels Cornwell
Penguin 1998
Andy Brazil and Judy Hammer
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- Police corruption and reform
- Grief and healing
- Leadership and ethics
- Political pressure and bureaucracy
- Mentorship and coming-of-age
- Media influence and public perception
- Urban crime and justice
- Loyalty and teamwork
About this book
Richmond’s new police chief, Judy Hammer, is still grieving her husband’s death as she takes on a department riddled with politics and corruption. With hard-charging deputy chief Virginia West and eager rookie Andy Brazil, she fights to clean up the city while navigating media scrutiny, City Hall pressure, and a wave of street crime that tests their ethics, leadership, and resolve.
Setting: Richmond, Virginia; contemporary late 1990s urban police department
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Cross right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Southern Cross. The reading level is AR 6.1, 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 Police corruption and reform, Grief and healing, Leadership and ethics.
How long does it take to read Southern Cross?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Southern Cross takes around 11h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Southern Cross have an AR quiz?
Yes — Southern Cross has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Southern Cross?
Southern Cross has an AR reading level of 6.1, 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.