Dove
by Robin L. Graham
Harper Collins 2012
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- adventure
- courage
- perseverance
- coming of age
- self-reliance
- exploration
- resilience
- travel and discovery
About this book
At sixteen, Robin Lee Graham sets sail alone from California to attempt a voyage around the world in a small sloop. Through storms, calms, breakdowns, and breathtaking landfalls, he learns seamanship, self-reliance, and what it means to grow up at sea. Told in vivid, journal-like detail, this true adventure captures the thrill and danger of blue-water sailing. It’s a great pick for teens who love real-life survival stories, travel, and the call of the ocean.
Setting: a solo circumnavigation across the world’s oceans, late 1960s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dove right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dove. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th 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 adventure, courage, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Dove?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Dove takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dove have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dove has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Dove?
Dove has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th 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.