Pendragon: Blackwater
by D.J. MacHale
Simon and Schuster 2009
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- loyalty and friendship
- choices and consequences
- power and oppression
- identity and responsibility
- survival
- ethics vs. rules
About this book
Bobby Pendragon travels to Eelong, a lush jungle world where a fierce catlike species rules and humans are at the bottom of the food chain. A deadly plague threatens to destroy the balance of this territory, forcing Bobby to question the rules he’s always followed. Packed with high-stakes action, strange creatures, and tough choices, this installment pushes Bobby to grow as a leader and a friend. Perfect for middle school readers who love fast-paced sci‑fi/fantasy adventures with cliffhangers.
Setting: the jungle territory of Eelong in the Pendragon multiverse
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pendragon: Blackwater right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Pendragon: Blackwater. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 courage, loyalty and friendship, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Pendragon: Blackwater?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Pendragon: Blackwater takes around 13h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pendragon: Blackwater have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pendragon: Blackwater has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Pendragon: Blackwater?
Pendragon: Blackwater has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.