Notorious
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen 2021
The It Girl
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- mystery and investigation
- truth vs. legend
- loyalty
- community
- grief and healing
- courage
- standing up for what’s right
About this book
On tiny Centerlight Island—split down the middle by the U.S.–Canada border—new kid Keenan teams up with quirky local ZeeBee to unravel an island mystery. ZeeBee is sure her beloved dog’s death wasn’t an accident and that old Prohibition-era secrets still echo through their town. Clues, legends, and island rivalries collide as the pair follow a trail that’s equal parts funny and suspenseful. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries, offbeat settings, and unlikely friendships.
Setting: Centerlight Island on the U.S.–Canada border, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notorious right for my child?
Yes — Notorious is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, mystery and investigation, truth vs. legend.
How long does it take to read Notorious?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Notorious takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Notorious have an AR quiz?
Yes — Notorious has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Notorious?
Notorious has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.