Dope deal
by Paul Kropp
Macmillan Pub Co 1979
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include drugs and addiction
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Genre
Themes
- peer pressure
- choices and consequences
- drugs and addiction
- loyalty and betrayal
- crime and justice
- personal responsibility
- family trust
About this book
Dope Deal is a fast-paced, high-interest novel about a teenager who gets pulled into the world of dealing drugs and has to decide how far he’s willing to go. Set around school and the neighborhood, it shows how small choices can snowball and put friendships, family trust, and a future at risk. Clear, direct writing and short chapters make it a strong pick for reluctant readers who want a tense, realistic story. It’s ideal for middle school and early high school students ready to discuss peer pressure and consequences without graphic content.
Setting: an urban North American high school and neighborhood, late 1970s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dope deal right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dope deal. The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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 peer pressure, choices and consequences, drugs and addiction.
How long does it take to read Dope deal?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Dope deal takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 14,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dope deal have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dope deal has an AR quiz available, worth 1.5 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 Dope deal?
Dope deal has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.