Camp sink or swim
by Kathryn Gibbs Davis
Random House 1997
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- overcoming fears
- friendship
- self-confidence
- perseverance
- teamwork
- new experiences
- summer camp
- personal growth
About this book
At summer camp, a nervous non-swimmer discovers that the lake looks a lot deeper when you’re standing on the dock. With new friends, goofy camp traditions, and a determined counselor, she faces her fears one splash at a time. Short chapters, humor, and relatable worries make this a welcoming pick for budding readers. Great for kids who enjoy realistic stories about friendship, trying new things, and camp life.
Setting: a lakeside summer camp, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camp sink or swim right for my child?
Yes — Camp sink or swim is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include overcoming fears, friendship, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Camp sink or swim?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Camp sink or swim takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 8,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Camp sink or swim have an AR quiz?
Yes — Camp sink or swim has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Camp sink or swim?
Camp sink or swim has an AR reading level of 3.1, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.