Shipwreck
Book 1
Hachette UK 2018
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- family bonds
- human–animal friendship
- teamwork
- resilience
- resourcefulness
- hope
- nature and the sea
About this book
After a storm leaves the Fisher family stranded on a tiny island, they must learn how to find water, build shelter, and stay hopeful. Each child bonds with a friendly dolphin, whose playful help and keen instincts become a lifeline. Told with fast-paced adventure and heart, this series opener blends survival challenges with the wonder of wild animals. Perfect for readers who enjoy family teamwork, the ocean, and feel-good adventures.
Setting: a remote tropical island and surrounding ocean
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shipwreck right for my child?
Yes — Shipwreck is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th 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 survival, family bonds, human–animal friendship.
How long does it take to read Shipwreck?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Shipwreck takes around 2.4h to finish. The book has 24,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Shipwreck have an AR quiz?
Yes — Shipwreck has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Shipwreck?
Shipwreck has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th 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.