Zach's Lie
by Roland Smith
Hyperion 2003
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.3 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family and loyalty
- truth and lies
- courage under pressure
- starting over
- trust
- crime and consequences
- resilience
About this book
When Jack Osborne’s father is arrested, Jack, his mom, and sister are swept into the Witness Security Program and given new names — including Jack’s new identity, Zach. Starting over in a far‑from‑home town, he must keep dangerous secrets while learning who to trust. As Zach navigates new friendships and a watchful teacher’s guidance, threats from his family’s past begin to close in. Fast‑paced and suspenseful, this is a gripping read for upper middle‑grade readers who enjoy realistic thrillers about identity, courage, and starting over.
Setting: a small desert town in Nevada, contemporary United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zach's Lie right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Zach's Lie. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, family and loyalty, truth and lies.
How long does it take to read Zach's Lie?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Zach's Lie takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Zach's Lie have an AR quiz?
Yes — Zach's Lie 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 Zach's Lie?
Zach's Lie has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.