The Broker
by John Grisham
2005
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.3 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- Power and corruption
- Political intrigue
- Identity and reinvention
- Surveillance and espionage
- Trust and betrayal
- Survival under pressure
- Redemption and second chances
- Government overreach and manipulation
About this book
Power broker Joel Backman, unexpectedly pardoned by a lame-duck U.S. president, is whisked out of the country, given a new identity, and hidden in Italy. As he learns to survive under the CIA’s watch, enemies from past deals close in, and Backman must outmaneuver multiple intelligence services to stay alive and discover why he was really set free.
Setting: Washington, D.C., and Bologna (and northern Italy), early 2000s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Broker right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Broker. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th 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 Power and corruption, Political intrigue, Identity and reinvention.
How long does it take to read The Broker?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, The Broker takes around 11h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Broker have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Broker 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 Broker?
The Broker has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th 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.