Theodore Boone: The Scandal
by John Grisham
Penguin 2017
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- Academic integrity
- Cheating and consequences
- Ethics and justice
- Rule of law
- Civic responsibility
- Truth versus loyalty
- Friendship and teamwork
- Standing up for what’s right
About this book
In the sixth Theodore Boone adventure, a spike in standardized test scores at a rival middle school triggers a district investigation into possible cheating. Thirteen-year-old Theo—already savvy about judges, police, and courtroom procedure—finds himself in the middle of the scandal. With friends, school reputation, and future opportunities at stake, he follows the evidence, weighs ethics against pressure, and works to expose the truth.
Setting: Strattenburg, a fictional American town; middle school, school board offices, and the local courthouse
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Theodore Boone: The Scandal right for my child?
Yes — Theodore Boone: The Scandal is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include Academic integrity, Cheating and consequences, Ethics and justice.
How long does it take to read Theodore Boone: The Scandal?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Theodore Boone: The Scandal takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Theodore Boone: The Scandal have an AR quiz?
Yes — Theodore Boone: The Scandal has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Theodore Boone: The Scandal?
Theodore Boone: The Scandal has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.