Stowaway
by Karen Hesse
Gallimard 2000
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- exploration and discovery
- courage and resilience
- coming of age
- survival at sea
- science and navigation
- curiosity
- cultural encounters
- adventure
About this book
Told as the diary of 11-year-old Nicholas Young, this historical adventure follows a real cabin boy who secretly boards Captain James Cook’s Endeavour and sails into the unknown. Readers track storms, shipboard life, and groundbreaking discoveries as the crew explores the Pacific. The journal voice and short entries make history feel immediate and exciting, perfect for middle-grade readers who like adventure and true-to-life detail. Fans of sea stories and exploration will enjoy the suspense, curiosity, and growing confidence of a boy finding his place in the world.
Setting: HMS Endeavour and the Pacific (England, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia), 1768–1771
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stowaway right for my child?
Yes — Stowaway is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th 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 exploration and discovery, courage and resilience, coming of age.
How long does it take to read Stowaway?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Stowaway takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stowaway have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stowaway has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Stowaway?
Stowaway has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.