Private
by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Little, Brown 2010
Book 1 of Private book series
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and PTSD
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Genre
Themes
- power and secrecy
- corruption and conspiracy
- justice vs. vengeance
- loyalty and betrayal
- organized crime
- technology in investigation
- serial murder
- trauma and PTSD
- moral ambiguity
About this book
Former Marine pilot Jack Morgan runs Private, an elite investigative firm serving the world’s most powerful clients. While probing a multi-million-dollar NFL gambling scandal and a string of murders targeting schoolgirls in Los Angeles, Jack is hit with a case that strikes painfully close to home: the brutal killing of someone he loves. Balancing cutting-edge forensics, a globe-spanning network, and a team of specialists, Jack races to unmask predators who will do anything to keep their secrets buried.
Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles, with threads to the NFL world and Las Vegas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Private. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th 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 power and secrecy, corruption and conspiracy, justice vs. vengeance.
How long does it take to read Private?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Private takes around 11h to finish. The book has 101,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Private have an AR quiz?
Yes — Private has an AR quiz available, worth 13 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 Private?
Private has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th 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.