
A Wanted Man
by Lee Child
Random House Digital, Inc. 2012
Book 17 of Jack Reacher
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.9 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 17 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- justice
- deception
- vigilantism
- moral ambiguity
- conspiracy
- survival
- pursuit
- identity
About this book
While hitchhiking toward Virginia, Jack Reacher accepts a ride from three strangers and quickly senses something is off. A routine lift turns into a deadly tangle with law enforcement and a shadowy conspiracy stretching across the heartland. Reacher relies on his keen observation and relentless instincts to separate truth from lies and protect the innocent. Fast-paced and gritty, this thriller appeals to mature teens and adults who enjoy high-stakes action and a tough, uncompromising hero.
Setting: contemporary American Midwest and Great Plains, highways and small towns
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Wanted Man right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Wanted Man. The reading level is AR 5.9, 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 justice, deception, vigilantism. Note: this is book 17 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read A Wanted Man?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Wanted Man takes around 14h to finish. The book has 137,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Wanted Man have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Wanted Man has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 A Wanted Man?
A Wanted Man has an AR reading level of 5.9, 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.