The Gangster
Isaac Bell 09
2016
Book 9 of Isaac Bell
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 9 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- organized crime
- immigration and assimilation
- extortion and intimidation
- justice vs. corruption
- loyalty and betrayal
- undercover investigation
- early 20th-century technology and forensics
- power and ambition
About this book
In 1906 New York, Van Dorn detective Isaac Bell takes on the Black Hand, a ruthless extortion ring terrorizing immigrant neighborhoods and high society alike, pursuing a cunning mastermind from Little Italy’s bombings to gilded boardrooms in a race to stop a criminal empire from taking root.
Setting: New York City and other U.S. locales during the Progressive Era, circa 1906
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gangster right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Gangster. The reading level is AR 5.7, 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 organized crime, immigration and assimilation, extortion and intimidation. Note: this is book 9 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Gangster?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Gangster takes around 12h to finish. The book has 117,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Gangster have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Gangster 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 Gangster?
The Gangster has an AR reading level of 5.7, 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.