The Street Lawyer
by John Grisham
Arrow 1998
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.4 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- social justice
- homelessness and poverty
- moral awakening and redemption
- legal ethics
- power and privilege
- corporate responsibility
- whistleblowing
- advocacy and pro bono work
- corruption and cover-ups
- conscience vs. career ambition
About this book
Michael Brock is billing the hours, making the money, rushing relentlessly to the top of Drake & Sweeney, a giant D.C. law firm. One step away from partnership, Michael has it all. Then, in an instant, it all comes undone: A homeless man takes nine lawyers hostage in the firm's plush offices. When it's all over, the man's blood is splattered on Michael's face—and suddenly Michael is willing to do the unthinkable. Rediscovering a conscience he lost long ago, Michael is leaving the big time for the streets where his attacker once lived—and where society's powerless need an advocate for justice.
Setting: Washington, D.C., late 1990s; corporate law firm offices, shelters, and the streets of the city
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Street Lawyer right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Street Lawyer. The reading level is AR 7.4, which is typical for 7th 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 social justice, homelessness and poverty, moral awakening and redemption.
How long does it take to read The Street Lawyer?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, The Street Lawyer takes around 13h to finish. The book has 133,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Street Lawyer have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Street Lawyer has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 Street Lawyer?
The Street Lawyer has an AR reading level of 7.4, which places it at a 7th 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.