lostman's river
by cynthia defelice
1995
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- family loyalty
- courage
- truth and justice
- frontier lawlessness
- environment and conservation
- coming of age
About this book
Set along Florida’s wild Ten Thousand Islands, Lostman’s River follows a young teen who ventures into the mangrove maze to uncover the truth about his family and the dangers shaping his community. Alligators, storms, and lawless hunters test his courage as he navigates shifting loyalties and tough choices. With vivid adventure and a strong sense of place, this historical tale appeals to readers who like survival stories and mysteries rooted in the natural world. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced, atmospheric reads without heavy gore or violence.
Setting: Florida Everglades/Ten Thousand Islands, early 1900s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is lostman's river right for my child?
Yes — lostman's river is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 survival, family loyalty, courage.
How long does it take to read lostman's river?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, lostman's river takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does lostman's river have an AR quiz?
Yes — lostman's river 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 lostman's river?
lostman's river has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.