Big Red Tequila
by Rick Riordan
Bantam 1997
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- justice
- family secrets
- revenge
- identity
- corruption
- loyalty
- grief
- returning home
About this book
When unlicensed PI Jackson “Tres” Navarre returns to San Antonio a decade after his father’s murder, he’s determined to uncover the truth—no matter how many secrets the city is hiding. Mixing dry humor with Texas grit, Tres navigates political corruption, old grudges, and dangerous leads, with only his wits (and his enchilada-loving cat) to back him up. This fast-paced mystery blends action and atmosphere, perfect for mature high school readers who enjoy smart detectives and twisty investigations. Fans of crime fiction set in vivid locales will be drawn to its voice and sense of place.
Setting: San Antonio, Texas, contemporary (1990s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Red Tequila right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Big Red Tequila. 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 justice, family secrets, revenge.
How long does it take to read Big Red Tequila?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Big Red Tequila takes around 13h to finish. The book has 127,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big Red Tequila have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big Red Tequila 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 Big Red Tequila?
Big Red Tequila 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.