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Execution of innocence book cover

Execution of innocence

by Christopher Pike

Archway Paperbacks 1997

★★★★☆

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

5th grade English
197
Pages
7
AR Points
5.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Thriller

Themes

  • justice and injustice
  • truth and lies
  • family loyalty
  • moral dilemmas
  • trust and betrayal
  • grief
  • perseverance
  • secrets

About this book

After a shocking murder upends his life, a teen finds himself racing against time to prove that someone he cares about is innocent. As he follows a trail of secrets, lies, and half-truths, he’s drawn into a dangerous game where every clue could be a trap. Fast-paced chapters and tense twists keep readers turning pages. Perfect for teens who like gritty, high-stakes mysteries that ask big questions about truth and justice.

Setting: contemporary small-town California and a state prison

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Execution of innocence right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Execution of innocence. 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 and injustice, truth and lies, family loyalty.

How long does it take to read Execution of innocence?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Execution of innocence takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Execution of innocence have an AR quiz?

Yes — Execution of innocence has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Execution of innocence?

Execution of innocence 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.