The Striker
Isaac Bell #6
by Clive Cussler, Justin Scott
Penguin UK 2013
Book 6 of Isaac Bell
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 6 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- Labor vs. capital
- Industrial sabotage
- Unionization and labor rights
- Corporate conspiracy
- Class conflict
- Coming-of-age of a detective
- Early 20th-century technology and industry
- Justice and corruption
About this book
In 1902, a young Isaac Bell—just two years into his career with the Van Dorn Detective Agency—is sent to investigate alleged unionist sabotage in the Appalachian coalfields. After witnessing a catastrophic mining accident, Bell uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy that pits labor against capital, and miners against powerful industrial interests. With only a week to prove his case, Bell races through company towns, rail lines, and boardrooms to expose the true saboteurs before more lives are lost.
Setting: United States, 1902; Appalachian coal mines and company towns; rail lines and industrial centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Striker right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Striker. 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 Labor vs. capital, Industrial sabotage, Unionization and labor rights. Note: this is book 6 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Striker?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Striker takes around 11h to finish. The book has 111,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Striker have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Striker has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Striker?
The Striker 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.