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Starstruck book cover

Starstruck

by Richie Tankersley Cusick

Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2001

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

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

4th grade English
240
Pages
7
AR Points
6.9h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Mystery/Thriller

Themes

  • fame and celebrity
  • obsession
  • trust and betrayal
  • identity
  • jealousy
  • stalking
  • romance
  • danger and suspense

About this book

A teen’s dream of getting close to her favorite young star turns dangerous when she steps onto a Hollywood set where secrets, jealousies, and obsessive fans simmer just off camera. As accidents and threats escalate, she has to separate the glittery image from the real people behind it to figure out who she can trust. Fast-paced chapters, twisty suspense, and a brush with celebrity make this a page-turner for thriller-loving teens. Great for readers who enjoy high-stakes mysteries with a dash of romance.

Setting: contemporary Los Angeles and a Hollywood film/TV set

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starstruck right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Starstruck. 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 celebrity, obsession, trust and betrayal.

How long does it take to read Starstruck?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Starstruck takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 62,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Starstruck have an AR quiz?

Yes — Starstruck 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 Starstruck?

Starstruck 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.