Murder Among Friends
How Leopold and Loeb Tried to Commit the Perfect Crime
Anne Schwartz Books 2022
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 8.2 (8th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- crime and justice
- psychology of crime
- privilege and power
- peer pressure and manipulation
- ethics and morality
- media sensationalism
- law and courtroom drama
- ambition and hubris
About this book
This riveting work of narrative nonfiction explores the infamous 1924 Leopold and Loeb case—two brilliant, wealthy teens in Chicago who set out to commit the “perfect” crime. Candace Fleming traces their intense friendship, the meticulous planning, the investigation that unraveled it, and the sensational courtroom battle that followed. With primary sources and photos, the book invites readers to consider questions about privilege, morality, and the justice system. A strong choice for mature teens who enjoy real-life mysteries, psychology, and courtroom drama.
Setting: Chicago, 1920s (Jazz Age)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder Among Friends right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Murder Among Friends. The reading level is AR 8.2, which is typical for 8th 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 crime and justice, psychology of crime, privilege and power.
How long does it take to read Murder Among Friends?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, Murder Among Friends takes around 9.5h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Murder Among Friends have an AR quiz?
Yes — Murder Among Friends has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Murder Among Friends?
Murder Among Friends has an AR reading level of 8.2, which places it at a 8th 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.