Deal Breaker
by Harlan Coben
National Geographic Books 2006
Book 1 of Myron Bolitar
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- corruption in sports
- loyalty and friendship
- missing persons and identity
- secrets and blackmail
- media exploitation
- moral ambiguity
- family dynamics
- power and greed
About this book
Sports agent Myron Bolitar lands a star quarterback client whose fiancée vanished a year earlier. When a lurid magazine photo and a mysterious phone call suggest she may still be alive, Myron and his lethal best friend, Win, dig into a web of blackmail, sports-world corruption, and family secrets that someone will kill to keep buried.
Setting: Contemporary New York–New Jersey area; professional football and sports-agent circles (mid-1990s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deal Breaker right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Deal Breaker. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 corruption in sports, loyalty and friendship, missing persons and identity.
How long does it take to read Deal Breaker?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Deal Breaker takes around 9.0h to finish. The book has 89,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Deal Breaker have an AR quiz?
Yes — Deal Breaker has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Deal Breaker?
Deal Breaker has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.