Over the water
by Maude Casey
Holt 1994
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family secrets
- heritage and culture
- coming of age
- belonging
- mother–daughter relationship
- first love
- home and place
About this book
A London teenager travels across the Irish Sea to spend time with relatives and explore the place her mother once called home. Surrounded by Dublin streets and windswept countryside, she begins to untangle family secrets and understand why the past still echoes in the present. Along the way she wrestles with identity, belonging, and first love. Readers who like thoughtful, character-driven stories and vivid settings will be drawn to this coming-of-age journey.
Setting: London and contemporary Ireland (Dublin and the west), early 1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Over the water right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Over the water. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, family secrets, heritage and culture.
How long does it take to read Over the water?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Over the water takes around 6.6h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Over the water have an AR quiz?
Yes — Over the water 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 the water?
Over the water has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.