The Devil's Code
by John Sandford
Penguin 2001
Mature content — preview before assigning
Reading level 6 (6th grade) · ages 14+
Flagged for mature content — preview before assigning
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Genre
Themes
- hacking and cybercrime
- corporate espionage
- conspiracy and cover‑ups
- justice vs. vigilantism
- loyalty and partnership
- surveillance and privacy
- deception and double‑crosses
- power and corruption
- revenge
- technology’s impact on society
About this book
After a fellow hacker is killed during a supposed break‑in at a Texas tech firm, artist and cyber-thief Kidd and his partner LuEllen don’t buy the official story. To uncover what their friend knew—and why it got him murdered—they infiltrate a high‑tech corporation and peel back layers of corporate espionage, stolen code, and a ruthless entrepreneur’s scheme, triggering a dangerous, high‑stakes game online and on the ground.
Setting: Contemporary United States (late 1990s–early 2000s), chiefly Minnesota and Texas; corporate offices, safe houses, and the online/cyberspace landscape
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil's Code right for my child?
Use caution — The Devil's Code has mature content worth previewing first. The reading level is AR 6, 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 hacking and cybercrime, corporate espionage, conspiracy and cover‑ups. This book is flagged for mature content — worth previewing before assigning.
How long does it take to read The Devil's Code?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Devil's Code takes around 11h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Devil's Code have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Devil's Code has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Devil's Code?
The Devil's Code has an AR reading level of 6, 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.