Over Sea, Under Stone
by Susan Cooper
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books 2004
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- good vs. evil
- courage
- family and loyalty
- mystery and discovery
- destiny and legend
- teamwork
- Arthurian mythology
- perseverance
About this book
While vacationing in the seaside village of Cornwall, three siblings discover an ancient map that pulls them into a race against shadowy enemies. Their search for a legendary artifact ties them to an age-old struggle between the Light and the Dark. Adventure, riddles, and atmospheric mystery keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle graders who like puzzles, mythology, and a slow-burn quest with rising danger.
Setting: Cornwall, England; contemporary seaside villages and ancient sites
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Over Sea, Under Stone right for my child?
Yes — Over Sea, Under Stone is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 good vs. evil, courage, family and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Over Sea, Under Stone?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Over Sea, Under Stone takes around 7.1h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Over Sea, Under Stone have an AR quiz?
Yes — Over Sea, Under Stone 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 Over Sea, Under Stone?
Over Sea, Under Stone has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.