Black Water
by D.J. MacHale
Aladdin 2007
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship
- loyalty
- moral choices
- responsibility
- survival
- prejudice
- sacrifice
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon returns in a high-stakes mission to the wild territory of Eelong, where a deadly plague threatens to wipe out its people. To save a world he barely understands, Bobby must weigh the Traveler rules against the lives at risk, forcing him to make the hardest choice he’s faced yet. Fast-paced action, jungle dangers, and surprising alliances keep pages turning, while Bobby’s journal voice makes the adventure immediate and personal. A great pick for middle school readers who enjoy big worlds, moral dilemmas, and nonstop suspense.
Setting: the territory of Eelong, a perilous jungle world within the Pendragon multiverse
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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, friendship, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Black Water?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Black Water takes around 13h to finish. The book has 127,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Black Water have an AR quiz?
Yes — Black Water has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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.