Busted
by Phil Bildner
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 2007
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- integrity
- peer pressure
- choices and consequences
- ethics in sports
- identity
- friendship
- ambition
- truth and lies
About this book
A standout high school baseball player is feeling the heat from coaches, scouts, and teammates to be the best. When a quick fix promises bigger hits and faster gains, he makes a choice that starts to unravel everything he cares about. As the season intensifies, so do the secrets, the pressure, and the risk of being caught. This fast-paced sports story tackles winning at any cost and the courage it takes to do the right thing.
Setting: contemporary American high school and baseball fields
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Busted right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Busted. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 integrity, peer pressure, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Busted?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Busted takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Busted have an AR quiz?
Yes — Busted has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Busted?
Busted has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.