The Bridge cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 4.0
Points 10.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 70741
Points per Word 0.000141
Page Count 341
Points per Page 0.029326

Description

High-school student Nik is denied entry into the Internal Security and Intelligence Services and searches for answers while on a mission following a bombing of the school and takeover by hostiles from Southside.

Quick Summary

If you're looking for a story that mixes a high-stakes spy chase with the everyday pressures of school life, The Bridge delivers exactly that. Nik, a teen who's been turned away from the secret service, ends up on a dangerous mission to uncover why a bombing ripped through his school and why a hostile group from Southside has taken over, racing across the literal and symbolic bridge that divides the city. The tension never lets up, the action feels urgent, and the characters' friendships and loyalty are tested in ways that feel real. Readers who loved the fast-paced dystopia of The Hunger Games or the puzzle-solving vibe of the Maze Runner will find a lot to like here, especially since the protagonist is a resourceful teen solving a political mystery rather than just surviving. Parents should be aware there are some intense action scenes and a few scary moments, but the book also sparks thoughtful conversations about courage and identity. It's a quick, punchy read that keeps you on edge without feeling overly dark.