Ship Breaker
Hachette+ORM 2010
Ship Breaker Trilogy
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include abuse and resilience
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- loyalty and betrayal
- environmental collapse
- class inequality
- found family
- courage
- abuse and resilience
- moral choices
About this book
In a drowned, storm-battered Gulf Coast, teen scavenger Nailer risks everything to survive on ship-breaking beaches where loyalty can be more scarce than oil. When he discovers a wrecked luxury clipper and a chance at a different life, he must decide whom to trust and what he’s willing to sacrifice. Fast-paced action, vivid world-building, and tough ethical choices make this a compelling read for teens who like gritty, near-future adventures. Great for readers who enjoy dystopian survival stories with heart.
Setting: near-future, climate-ravaged U.S. Gulf Coast ship-breaking beaches and flooded port cities
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ship Breaker right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ship Breaker. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, loyalty and betrayal, environmental collapse.
How long does it take to read Ship Breaker?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ship Breaker takes around 8.8h to finish. The book has 87,241 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ship Breaker have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ship Breaker has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Ship Breaker?
Ship Breaker has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.