Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross)
by James Patterson
Little, Brown 2006
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and resilience
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- grief and healing
- revenge vs. justice
- family and fatherhood
- loyalty and friendship
- trauma and resilience
- organized crime and corruption
- obsession
- moral ambiguity
About this book
After leaving the FBI to return to private psychology practice in Washington, D.C., Alex Cross is drawn back into the most personal case of his life: the long-cold murder of his wife. As new evidence surfaces, Cross and his longtime partner John Sampson pursue a brutal predator tied to a string of assaults and mob-connected violence, forcing Cross to confront grief, vengeance, and the cost of justice.
Setting: Primarily Washington, D.C., with key investigation in Detroit; contemporary timeframe with early-1990s flashbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross). 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 grief and healing, revenge vs. justice, family and fatherhood.
How long does it take to read Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross) takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross) has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross)?
Cross (Also Published as Alex Cross) 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.