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Speeding Bullet book cover

Speeding Bullet

by Neal Shusterman

Simon Pulse 1992

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

4th grade English
200
Pages
5
AR Points
5.8h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Science Fiction

Themes

  • responsibility
  • power and consequences
  • identity
  • heroism
  • friendship
  • choices and ethics
  • fame and attention
  • self-discovery

About this book

A witty, fast-paced YA novel about a teen who suddenly finds himself moving faster than everyone else — faster than a speeding bullet. At first, using his new edge to fix problems and play hero feels amazing, but it quickly gets complicated when real-life consequences catch up. Humor, action, and thought-provoking questions about what it means to be a hero drive the story. Ideal for teens who like speculative twists grounded in everyday high school life.

Setting: contemporary suburban high school

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Speeding Bullet right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Speeding Bullet. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 responsibility, power and consequences, identity.

How long does it take to read Speeding Bullet?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Speeding Bullet takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Speeding Bullet have an AR quiz?

Yes — Speeding Bullet has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Speeding Bullet?

Speeding Bullet has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.