Redemption
Simon and Schuster 2010
Mature content — preview before assigning
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) · ages 11+
Flagged for mature content — preview before assigning
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- family bonds
- identity
- exploration
- faith and hope
- colonization and contact
- resilience
About this book
Twelve-year-old Lily flees accusations and danger in her English village and embarks on a perilous sea journey to the New World in hopes of finding her missing father. Set in the 1500s, her quest carries her from dark forests to an unforgiving ocean crossing and a harsh, unfamiliar land. Readers who enjoy survival stories, historical detail, and courageous heroines will be pulled in by Lily’s voice and the suspenseful, fast-moving plot. A strong choice for middle school and early high school readers who like adventure with heart.
Setting: England and the North American coast, early 1500s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redemption right for my child?
Use caution — Redemption has mature content worth previewing first. 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 survival, courage, family bonds. This book is flagged for mature content — worth previewing before assigning.
How long does it take to read Redemption?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Redemption takes around 8.1h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Redemption have an AR quiz?
Yes — Redemption has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Redemption?
Redemption 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.