The Name of the Game Was Murder

About this book

When she visits her great-uncle, a successful and self-centered author, at his fortress-like home on Catalina Island, fifteen-year-old Samantha becomes involved in his manipulative game that leads to murder.

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See all books like The Name of the Game Was Murder→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Mystery title, typically at grades 3–8. Written in the 1990s; pairs with curriculum units on authors and detective and mystery stories; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Nevada Young Readers' Award

  • recommended·3rd grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·4th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·5th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·6th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·7th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·8th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.

Common questions

What grade level is The Name of the Game Was Murder?

The Name of the Game Was Murder is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read The Name of the Game Was Murder?

It takes about 3h 20m to read The Name of the Game Was Murder (182 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 200 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Name of the Game Was Murder?

The Name of the Game Was Murder appears on reading lists for Nevada Young Readers' Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Name of the Game Was Murder banned in schools?

The Name of the Game Was Murder does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

What themes does The Name of the Game Was Murder explore?

Central themes in The Name of the Game Was Murder include authors, detective and mystery stories, murder, mystery and detective stories. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.