Bones
by Jonathan Kellerman
Ballantine Books 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- serial murder
- police procedural
- psychological profiling
- justice vs. privilege
- secrets and deception
- urban corruption
- friendship and loyalty
- trauma and recovery
- environmental backdrop (wetlands)
About this book
An anonymous call sends LAPD to the Bird Marsh preserve, where a young woman’s body is found. As more remains surface, homicide detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware uncover links among the victims and a circle of Los Angeles elites, racing to stop a calculating serial killer who uses the city’s wetlands and wealthier enclaves as a hunting ground.
Setting: Los Angeles, California—Bird Marsh/Ballona Wetlands preserve, upscale Westside neighborhoods (Bel Air, Beverly Hills), and LAPD Homicide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bones right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Bones. The reading level is AR 6.1, 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 serial murder, police procedural, psychological profiling.
How long does it take to read Bones?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Bones takes around 12h to finish. The book has 130,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bones have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bones 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 Bones?
Bones has an AR reading level of 6.1, 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.