River Rats
Magic Carpet Books 2022
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- found family
- survival
- loyalty and trust
- coming of age
- freedom and responsibility
- resilience
- music and art as hope
- moral choices
About this book
In a shattered America along the Mississippi River, a tight-knit crew of teen orphans pilots a restored paddlewheel boat from town to town. They earn their keep with music, trade, and grit—until a chance rescue pulls them into a dangerous tangle of secrets and river politics. Told with rich river lore and a strong sense of found family, the story blends adventure, suspense, and heart. Perfect for grades 6–9 who like post-apocalyptic journeys, teamwork, and fast-moving plots.
Setting: a post-apocalyptic Mississippi River and river towns in the near-future United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Rats right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for River Rats. The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 found family, survival, loyalty and trust.
How long does it take to read River Rats?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, River Rats takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does River Rats have an AR quiz?
Yes — River Rats 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 River Rats?
River Rats has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.