Daughter of the Deep
by Rick Riordan
Penguin UK 2021
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
- leadership
- teamwork
- identity
- courage
- innovation and technology
- ethics in science
- family legacy
- loyalty
About this book
Ana Dakkar attends an elite academy for future marine scientists, navigators, and explorers, where a routine freshman sea trial turns into a high-stakes mission. Thrust into leadership, she and her classmates must rely on science, quick thinking, and teamwork as they uncover secrets from a legendary undersea past. Fast-paced action, clever tech, and ocean adventure make this a great pick for kids who love STEM and thrillers. Perfect for upper middle-grade readers who enjoy strong heroes and page‑turning suspense without heavy content.
Setting: modern-day coastal academy and advanced submarines on missions across the world’s oceans
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daughter of the Deep right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Daughter of the Deep. 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 leadership, teamwork, identity.
How long does it take to read Daughter of the Deep?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Daughter of the Deep takes around 10h to finish. The book has 99,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Daughter of the Deep have an AR quiz?
Yes — Daughter of the Deep has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Daughter of the Deep?
Daughter of the Deep 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.