Crooked
by Laura McNeal, Tom Mcneal
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2007
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- first love
- rumors and gossip
- bullying and peer pressure
- family relationships
- trust and betrayal
- moral choices
- consequences
About this book
In a small town where everyone seems to be watching, two teenagers find themselves drawn together as rumors, bad decisions, and family troubles push them into unexpected territory. Each is trying to figure out who to trust and how to do the right thing when the truth isn’t simple. The story blends first love with the sting of gossip and the pressure to fit in. Readers who like thoughtful, character-driven stories about real-life choices will be hooked.
Setting: a contemporary small American town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crooked right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Crooked. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 identity, first love, rumors and gossip.
How long does it take to read Crooked?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Crooked takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Crooked have an AR quiz?
Yes — Crooked has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Crooked?
Crooked has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.