Breathing underwater
by Alex Flinn
HarperTeen 2001
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include dating violence
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Genre
Themes
- dating violence
- control and jealousy
- accountability
- toxic masculinity
- self-reflection and change
- friendship and family
- choices and consequences
- mental health and therapy
About this book
After a violent incident with his girlfriend, popular Miami teen Nick is ordered into counseling and told to keep a journal. Through his own words, he confronts the control, jealousy, and anger that brought him here and begins to see the truth about himself. This raw, realistic story offers a rare look from the abuser’s perspective and invites important conversations about healthy relationships and accountability. Best for high school readers and mature middle schoolers who appreciate intense, character-driven contemporary fiction.
Setting: contemporary Miami, Florida; high school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breathing underwater right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Breathing underwater. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include dating violence, control and jealousy, accountability.
How long does it take to read Breathing underwater?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Breathing underwater takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 63,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Breathing underwater have an AR quiz?
Yes — Breathing underwater has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Breathing underwater?
Breathing underwater has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.