Fade Away
by Harlan Coben
Dell Publishing Company 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- rivalry
- identity
- fame and pressure
- corruption
- truth and deception
- second chances
- friendship
About this book
Sports agent and former hoops star Myron Bolitar is pulled back onto the court when NBA rival Greg Downing suddenly vanishes from his New Jersey home. What starts as a missing-person case quickly tangles with secrets, scandal, and the high-stakes world of professional basketball. Fast-paced, witty, and twisty, this mystery keeps readers guessing while delivering sharp dialogue and suspense. A good fit for mature teens who enjoy detective stories, sports settings, and page-turning thrillers.
Setting: suburban New Jersey and the pro basketball world, mid-1990s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fade Away right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Fade Away. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 loyalty, rivalry, identity.
How long does it take to read Fade Away?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Fade Away takes around 10h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fade Away have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fade Away has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Fade Away?
Fade Away has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.