Trial by Journal
by Kate Klise
HarperTrophy 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- justice and fairness
- critical thinking
- civic responsibility
- truth vs. appearances
- friendship
- media influence
- integrity
- perseverance
About this book
Told through journal entries, notes, and clippings, this witty courtroom mystery follows a 12-year-old who’s chosen to serve as a child juror in a high-profile trial. As she records her observations, she starts to piece together clues that the adults around her have missed. The playful format, puns, and illustrations make it a fast, funny read, while the mystery keeps pages turning. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like solving puzzles and stories that mix humor with real-world issues.
Setting: a contemporary small-town courthouse and summer camp in the United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trial by Journal right for my child?
Yes — Trial by Journal is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include justice and fairness, critical thinking, civic responsibility.
How long does it take to read Trial by Journal?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Trial by Journal takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 33,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Trial by Journal have an AR quiz?
Yes — Trial by Journal 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 Trial by Journal?
Trial by Journal has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.