Black Water
by D.J. MacHale
Aladdin 2004
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- courage
- loyalty and friendship
- duty vs. rules
- sacrifice
- ethical dilemmas
- survival
- identity and responsibility
- prejudice and power
About this book
Bobby Pendragon’s next jump takes him to Eelong, a perilous jungle territory where a fast-moving plague threatens to wipe out an entire world. To save countless lives, he may have to break the Travelers’ most important rule, risking everything he’s sworn to protect. High-stakes action, strange new creatures, and tough moral choices keep the pages turning. Perfect for adventurous readers who like big series with sci‑fi twists and nonstop suspense.
Setting: the jungle world of Eelong and contemporary Second Earth
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Water right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Black Water. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include courage, loyalty and friendship, duty vs. rules.
How long does it take to read Black Water?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Black Water takes around 12h to finish. The book has 120,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Black Water have an AR quiz?
Yes — Black Water has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Black Water?
Black Water has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.