The Thomas Berryman Number
by James Patterson
Little, Brown 2006
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Racism and prejudice, Violence and justice
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Genre
Themes
- Racism and prejudice
- Political assassination
- Conspiracy and corruption
- Journalism and the pursuit of truth
- Moral ambiguity
- Violence and justice
- Identity and deception
- Power and ambition in the American South
About this book
James Patterson’s Edgar Award–winning debut follows reporter Ochs Jones as he investigates the assassination of a rising Black politician in the American South. As Jones uncovers threads of racism, conspiracy, and contract killing tied to the enigmatic assassin Thomas Berryman, the case spirals into a taut, character-driven manhunt that probes prejudice, power, and the price of truth.
Setting: Nashville, Tennessee and the American South, early 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Thomas Berryman Number right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Thomas Berryman Number. 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 Racism and prejudice, Political assassination, Conspiracy and corruption.
How long does it take to read The Thomas Berryman Number?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Thomas Berryman Number takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Thomas Berryman Number have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Thomas Berryman Number has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Thomas Berryman Number?
The Thomas Berryman Number 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.