Paddle-to-the-Sea
by Holling Clancy Holling
Trumpet Club 2018
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- exploration
- perseverance
- nature and environment
- geography and maps
- resourcefulness
- cultural encounters
- travel and journey
About this book
A small carved canoe and its rider begin a long journey from Lake Superior toward the sea, passing through the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Along the way, readers see changing seasons, industries, and communities that depend on the water. Detailed illustrations and map-like pages invite kids to trace the route and learn real geography as the story unfolds. It’s perfect for curious readers who enjoy travel adventures and learning how places connect.
Setting: Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic, early 1900s North America
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paddle-to-the-Sea right for my child?
Yes — Paddle-to-the-Sea is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 exploration, perseverance, nature and environment.
How long does it take to read Paddle-to-the-Sea?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Paddle-to-the-Sea takes around 52m to finish. The book has 7,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Paddle-to-the-Sea have an AR quiz?
Yes — Paddle-to-the-Sea has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Paddle-to-the-Sea?
Paddle-to-the-Sea has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.