The Scarecrow
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- investigative journalism
- media layoffs and newsroom ethics
- wrongful conviction
- serial killers
- cybercrime and data privacy
- power and misuse of technology
- truth versus sensationalism
- ambition and career reinvention
- law enforcement and bureaucracy
About this book
After being laid off from the Los Angeles Times, reporter Jack McEvoy decides to leave with a career-defining story. Investigating the case of a 16-year-old who confessed to a brutal murder, Jack uncovers signs of a sophisticated, tech-savvy serial killer operating beneath law enforcement’s radar—pulling him back together with FBI agent Rachel Walling and into a deadly chase.
Setting: Contemporary late-2000s United States, primarily Los Angeles (newsroom, South L.A., LAPD facilities) with investigation threads extending to data centers and West Coast locations including Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Scarecrow right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Scarecrow. The reading level is AR 6, which is typical for 6th 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 investigative journalism, media layoffs and newsroom ethics, wrongful conviction.
How long does it take to read The Scarecrow?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Scarecrow takes around 11h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Scarecrow have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Scarecrow has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 The Scarecrow?
The Scarecrow has an AR reading level of 6, which places it at a 6th 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.