Time Bomb
An Alex Delaware Novel
by Jonathan Kellerman
Ballantine Books 2003
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and recovery, gun violence and its aftermath
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Genre
Themes
- trauma and recovery
- identity and deception
- gun violence and its aftermath
- media sensationalism
- radicalization and political extremism
- family secrets
- moral ambiguity
- justice versus vengeance
- psychological manipulation
- trust and betrayal
About this book
After a would-be schoolyard sniper is shot before any children are harmed, psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware begins counseling traumatized students and is pulled into an investigation that questions the teen gunman’s identity. Working with LAPD’s Milo Sturgis, Delaware uncovers buried histories, radical politics, and long-simmering secrets that link the present shooting to violent acts from decades past.
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles and the Southern California desert; schools, police precincts, and fringe communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Time Bomb right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Time Bomb. The reading level is AR 6.2, 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 trauma and recovery, identity and deception, gun violence and its aftermath.
How long does it take to read Time Bomb?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Time Bomb takes around 12h to finish. The book has 126,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Time Bomb have an AR quiz?
Yes — Time Bomb has an AR quiz available, worth 19 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 Time Bomb?
Time Bomb has an AR reading level of 6.2, 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.