The Bootlegger
by Clive Cussler, Justin Scott
Penguin 2014
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
- Prohibition and bootlegging
- Organized crime
- Espionage and sabotage
- Loyalty and mentorship
- Justice versus revenge
- Law enforcement ingenuity
- Technology and innovation of the early 20th century
- Political intrigue and international plots
About this book
In 1920, at the dawn of Prohibition, detective Isaac Bell vows to bring down the gunmen who nearly kill his mentor, Joseph Van Dorn, during a rum‑runner chase. What begins as a crackdown on bootleggers spirals into a high-stakes pursuit of international saboteurs using America’s thirst for illegal liquor to mask a far more dangerous plot. From speedboat chases and undercover stings to political intrigue and espionage, Bell navigates the criminal underworld and volatile postwar tensions to stop a conspiracy that threatens the nation.
Setting: United States during early Prohibition (circa 1920): New York City and New Jersey coast; Detroit and the Great Lakes rum‑running routes; Florida and Caribbean smuggling hubs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bootlegger right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Bootlegger. 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 Prohibition and bootlegging, Organized crime, Espionage and sabotage.
How long does it take to read The Bootlegger?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Bootlegger takes around 12h to finish. The book has 124,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Bootlegger have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Bootlegger 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 The Bootlegger?
The Bootlegger 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.