The Simple Truth
by David Baldacci
Grand Central Publishing 2001
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Abuse of power
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Genre
Themes
- Justice vs. the law
- Government corruption and conspiracy
- Abuse of power
- Truth, secrecy, and cover-ups
- Moral ambiguity
- Loyalty and brotherhood
- Redemption
About this book
A Supreme Court clerk’s theft of a prisoner’s letter sets off a deadly chain of cover-ups that reaches into the highest levels of government. After his brother is murdered, ex-cop–turned–attorney John Fiske digs into the decades-old case of Rufus Harms and uncovers a conspiracy proving that the truth—and justice—are anything but simple.
Setting: Contemporary Washington, D.C.—centered on the U.S. Supreme Court, federal agencies, and prisons; Virginia and surrounding Mid-Atlantic locations in the 1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Simple Truth right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Simple Truth. The reading level is AR 6.6, 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 Justice vs. the law, Government corruption and conspiracy, Abuse of power.
How long does it take to read The Simple Truth?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Simple Truth takes around 14h to finish. The book has 150,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Simple Truth have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Simple Truth has an AR quiz available, worth 23 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 Simple Truth?
The Simple Truth has an AR reading level of 6.6, 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.