Matthew and the sea singer
Simon & Schuster Young Books 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family
- folklore and myth
- the power of music
- temptation and responsibility
- nature and the sea
- community
About this book
Set in a small British fishing village, Matthew is drawn to a mysterious song that seems to rise from the sea itself. As the haunting music brushes close to family and community, he must find the courage to face what the ocean is asking of him. Lyrical and atmospheric, this short novella blends everyday life with folklore in a way that invites thoughtful readers to wonder. A good choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy myth-tinged stories and coastal settings.
Setting: a contemporary British fishing village on a windswept coast
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matthew and the sea singer right for my child?
Yes — Matthew and the sea singer is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, 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 courage, family, folklore and myth.
How long does it take to read Matthew and the sea singer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Matthew and the sea singer takes around 40m to finish. The book has 6,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Matthew and the sea singer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Matthew and the sea singer has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Matthew and the sea singer?
Matthew and the sea singer has an AR reading level of 4.9, 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.