Message for Murder
by Janice Greene
Bt Bound 1999
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 3.3 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- mystery and investigation
- courage
- trust and suspicion
- doing the right thing
- friendship
- secrets and lies
About this book
When a teen stumbles onto a cryptic message that hints at a deadly plan, she and a friend race to decode the clues before someone gets hurt. Short chapters, fast pacing, and clear writing keep pages turning as the mystery deepens. This hi-lo thriller is designed for older students who want a gripping story at an accessible reading level. Great for fans of realistic suspense and school-based mysteries.
Setting: contemporary small city/high school, late 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Message for Murder right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Message for Murder. The reading level is AR 3.3, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include mystery and investigation, courage, trust and suspicion.
How long does it take to read Message for Murder?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Message for Murder takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 10,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Message for Murder have an AR quiz?
Yes — Message for Murder has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Message for Murder?
Message for Murder has an AR reading level of 3.3, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.