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Star Group book cover

Star Group

by Christopher Pike

Hodder Children's 1997

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

4th grade English
188
Pages
7
AR Points
5.8h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Thriller

Themes

  • fame and ambition
  • trust and betrayal
  • identity
  • peer pressure
  • power and manipulation
  • friendship
  • survival
  • choices and consequences

About this book

A handpicked group of talented teens is recruited into an exclusive program known as the Star Group, promising fame, opportunity, and a fast track to success. But as the pressure mounts and secrets surface, they discover the spotlight can be dangerous—and that someone may be pulling strings from the shadows. Fast-paced and twisty, this thriller explores how far people will go for recognition and how hard it is to know whom to trust. Great for readers who enjoy high-stakes mysteries with glamorous settings and moral dilemmas.

Setting: contemporary Los Angeles and the entertainment world, late 1990s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Star Group right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Star Group. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 fame and ambition, trust and betrayal, identity.

How long does it take to read Star Group?

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

Does Star Group have an AR quiz?

Yes — Star Group has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Star Group?

Star Group has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.