Drop Shot
by Harlan Coben
Random House Digital, Inc. 2007
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- justice
- corruption
- ambition
- loyalty
- fame and media
- secrets and lies
- second chances
- truth-seeking
About this book
When a tennis star is gunned down near the U.S. Open, sports agent–turned–sleuth Myron Bolitar is pulled into a high-stakes mystery that crosses the worlds of pro sports, celebrity, and crime. Armed with sharp wit and a strong moral compass, Myron digs for the truth behind the headlines and old secrets that won’t stay buried. Fast-paced action, clever twists, and insider glimpses of the tennis circuit make this a gripping read. A good fit for mature high school readers who enjoy page-turning mysteries with a sports angle.
Setting: New York City and the professional tennis circuit, mid-1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drop Shot right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Drop Shot. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 justice, corruption, ambition.
How long does it take to read Drop Shot?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Drop Shot takes around 9.6h to finish. The book has 95,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Drop Shot have an AR quiz?
Yes — Drop Shot 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 Drop Shot?
Drop Shot has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.