High Risk
Simon and Schuster 2014
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
- mystery
- loyalty
- justice
- deception
- trust
- crime and investigation
- courage
- determination
About this book
When an insurance fraud case turns deadly, Ned becomes the prime suspect—and Nancy must untangle a web of lies to clear his name. Clues lead her from offices and crime scenes to risky confrontations as she pieces together what really happened. This fast-paced mystery delivers danger, romance, and classic sleuthing. Perfect for teens who enjoy twisty plots, strong female detectives, and page-turning suspense.
Setting: contemporary River Heights and nearby cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Risk right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for High Risk. 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 mystery, loyalty, justice.
How long does it take to read High Risk?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, High Risk takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does High Risk have an AR quiz?
Yes — High Risk has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 High Risk?
High Risk 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.