Ship
Houghton Mifflin 1993
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- engineering and design
- exploration
- archaeology and discovery
- history and technology
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- maritime life
- trade and travel
About this book
David Macaulay takes readers from an underwater archaeological dig to a bustling 17th-century shipyard, showing how a large sailing ship was built and sailed. Through detailed cutaway drawings and clear explanations, kids see the craft, tools, and teamwork behind life at sea. It’s a great fit for curious readers who enjoy history, engineering, and discovery. Perfect for grades 4–8 and anyone fascinated by ships and how things work.
Setting: an underwater shipwreck excavation and a 17th-century European shipyard and sailing routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ship right for my child?
Yes — Ship is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th 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 engineering and design, exploration, archaeology and discovery.
How long does it take to read Ship?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Ship takes around 46m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ship have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ship 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 Ship?
Ship has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th 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.