Runner
by Newton, Robert
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2007
Book 1 of Nameless Souls MC
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.5 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- poverty and resilience
- loyalty
- moral choices
- coming of age
- family
- crime and consequences
- ambition
- courage
About this book
Set in 1919 Melbourne, Charlie Feehan discovers he can outrun almost anyone—and that his speed might be the key to helping his struggling family. When local crime boss Squizzy Taylor offers him work as a runner, Charlie is pulled into the bustling laneways and rough underworld of the city. He must decide what kind of man he wants to be as loyalty, temptation, and danger close in. Fast-paced and gritty yet full of heart, this historical coming-of-age story appeals to readers who like action, sports, and moral choices.
Setting: inner-city Melbourne, Australia, 1919 (post–World War I)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Runner right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Runner. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th 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 poverty and resilience, loyalty, moral choices.
How long does it take to read Runner?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Runner takes around 6.2h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Runner have an AR quiz?
Yes — Runner has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Runner?
Runner has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th 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.