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Cora at Camp Blue Waters book cover

Cora at Camp Blue Waters

by Philemon Sturges

Houghton Mifflin 2004

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
5
AR Points
3.8h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • independence
  • self-confidence
  • overcoming fears
  • teamwork
  • belonging
  • traditions
  • nature and the outdoors

About this book

Cora heads to Camp Blue Waters for a summer of cabins, canoes, and new traditions—but being away from home isn’t as easy as she imagined. Between homesickness, bunkmate drama, and learning lake skills, she discovers what it takes to be a good friend and a confident camper. With gentle humor and plenty of camp details, this story captures the thrills and challenges of sleepaway camp. A great pick for readers who enjoy realistic stories about friendship and growing independence.

Setting: a rustic lakeside summer camp in the northeastern United States, present day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cora at Camp Blue Waters right for my child?

Yes — Cora at Camp Blue Waters is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, independence, self-confidence.

How long does it take to read Cora at Camp Blue Waters?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Cora at Camp Blue Waters takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Cora at Camp Blue Waters have an AR quiz?

Yes — Cora at Camp Blue Waters has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Cora at Camp Blue Waters?

Cora at Camp Blue Waters has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.