Malice
A Novel
Dell 1997
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include survival after abuse, trauma and healing
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Genre
Themes
- survival after abuse
- trauma and healing
- betrayal and trust
- resilience
- secrets and shame
- justice and the legal system
- women’s empowerment
- found family and support
About this book
Grace Adams grows up with terrible secrets and, on the night of her mother’s funeral, suffers another violent attack that ends in tragedy. Branded by scandal and silenced by shame, she faces the justice system and years of hardship before painstakingly rebuilding a life. When a devastating betrayal threatens to destroy her hard-won stability, Grace must confront her past, seek justice, and find the strength to heal.
Setting: Late-20th-century United States; from small-town America to big-city life (including time spent within the prison system).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malice right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Malice. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 survival after abuse, trauma and healing, betrayal and trust.
How long does it take to read Malice?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Malice takes around 13h to finish. The book has 130,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Malice have an AR quiz?
Yes — Malice has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Malice?
Malice has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.