Ghosts of the deep
by Daniel Cohen
Putnam 1993
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- maritime mysteries
- the unexplained vs. skepticism
- history and legend
- survival at sea
- courage and disaster
- myth and folklore
- exploration
- critical thinking
About this book
Ghosts of the Deep gathers eerie true tales from the world’s oceans—vanishing crews, phantom ships, and mysterious maritime happenings—told with Daniel Cohen’s clear, skeptical-but-curious voice. Short chapters blend folklore with historical facts, inviting readers to weigh the evidence and decide what they believe. It’s a great pick for middle-grade readers who love real-life mysteries, shipwrecks, and spooky stories that feel possible. Photos and side notes add context and keep reluctant readers turning the pages.
Setting: oceans and seas across various historical periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghosts of the deep right for my child?
Yes — Ghosts of the deep is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.5, which is typical for 6th 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 maritime mysteries, the unexplained vs. skepticism, history and legend.
How long does it take to read Ghosts of the deep?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Ghosts of the deep takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghosts of the deep have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghosts of the deep has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Ghosts of the deep?
Ghosts of the deep has an AR reading level of 6.5, which places it at a 6th 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.