Finding Lubchenko
by Simmons, Michael
Razorbill 2005
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
- friendship
- loyalty
- truth and deception
- responsibility and privilege
- courage
- ethics in science
- crime and conspiracy
- coming of age
About this book
When a brilliant scientist tied to a teen’s powerful family disappears, a sarcastic, savvy narrator and his friends dive into a high-stakes hunt to find him. Their search pulls them from private-school halls into a world of corporate secrets, shadowy enemies, and international danger. Fast-paced and smart, this thriller blends mystery, humor, and suspense. Great for teens who like sharp dialogue, twisty plots, and underdogs outthinking the adults around them.
Setting: contemporary New York City and Europe (including Russia)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Finding Lubchenko right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Finding Lubchenko. 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 friendship, loyalty, truth and deception.
How long does it take to read Finding Lubchenko?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Finding Lubchenko takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Finding Lubchenko have an AR quiz?
Yes — Finding Lubchenko has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Finding Lubchenko?
Finding Lubchenko 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.