The June Boys cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 4.8
Points 12.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 77796
Points per Word 0.000154
Page Count 357
Points per Page 0.033613

Description

When her cousin disappears, high school senior Thea Delacroix decides to hunt down the Gemini Thief, the mysterious abductor who takes local boys and releases them unharmed. Together with a tight-knit group of friends, she follows clues through the town's darker corners, only to realize the thief might be someone she already knows. The story blends the urgency of a mystery thriller with the pressures of teenage life, and includes scenes of graphic violence and drug use.

Quick Summary

For readers who love a good mystery with high stakes, The June Boys follows senior Thea Delacroix as she dives into the case of the Gemini Thief, a kidnapper who takes boys but always lets them go unharmed. Thea is a smart, stubborn protagonist whose determination drives the story, and the plot is packed with twists that keep you guessing until the very end. While the book deals with some heavy stuff there's graphic violence and drug use woven into the narrative it's also got moments of humor and friendship that make the characters feel real. It's a solid choice for teens who enjoy thrillers like One of Us Is Lying, but with a darker edge and a focus on a female lead tackling a dangerous puzzle. Parents should know that the content includes realistic depictions of violence and substance use, so it's best for older high schoolers who can handle those themes.