Sniper
Bodley Head Children's Books 1990
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- responsibility
- animal welfare
- good vs. evil
- survival
- coming of age
- loyalty
- perseverance
About this book
When a mysterious shooter targets the big cats at his family’s wildlife preserve, fifteen-year-old Ben finds himself in charge and in danger. With his parents away and animals he loves at risk, he must use courage, quick thinking, and knowledge of the preserve to stop the sniper. The fast pace, high stakes, and close bond between keeper and animals keep readers turning pages. Great for middle school and early high school readers who enjoy realistic thrillers and stories about wildlife.
Setting: a contemporary wildlife preserve in Southern California
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sniper right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Sniper. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 courage, responsibility, animal welfare.
How long does it take to read Sniper?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Sniper takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sniper have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sniper 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 Sniper?
Sniper has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.