# Final Word (The Winterton Deception #1)

**Author:** Janet Sumner Johnson
**Grade range:** Grades 3–7
**Age range:** 8–13
**First published:** 2023
**Page count:** 387
**Genre:** Middle Grade Mystery
**ISBN-13:** `9781645951988`
**ISBN-10:** `1645951987`
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/book/final-word
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## About this book

Twins enter a high-stakes spelling competition tied to their estranged, wealthy family — and uncover a mystery hidden in the Winterton legacy. Janet Sumner Johnson's middle-grade mystery is full of word puzzles and family secrets. Nominated for the 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award (grades 3-5), administered by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians.

## Themes

- mystery
- family
- words
- competition

## Where this book is assigned

### South Carolina Children's Book Award

- **recommended** · 3rd grade · South Carolina — [source: 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees (South Carolina Association of School Librarians / studySC)](https://studysc.org/sc-book-awards/sc-childrens-book-award-2026)
- **recommended** · 4th grade · South Carolina — [source: 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees (South Carolina Association of School Librarians / studySC)](https://studysc.org/sc-book-awards/sc-childrens-book-award-2026)
- **recommended** · 5th grade · South Carolina — [source: 2025-2026 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees (South Carolina Association of School Librarians / studySC)](https://studysc.org/sc-book-awards/sc-childrens-book-award-2026)

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