The Arm of the Starfish
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2011
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- trust and betrayal
- ethics in science
- identity and responsibility
- choices and consequences
- courage
- deception and espionage
- loyalty
- destiny vs. free will
About this book
Gifted marine-biology student Adam Eddington heads to Portugal to assist the renowned Dr. O’Keefe and is swept into a web of scientific secrets, international intrigue, and hard choices about whom to trust. Characters connected to L’Engle’s Time Quintet and Austin Family Chronicles appear as Adam navigates ethical questions about science and responsibility. With seaside labs, shadowy operatives, and a fast-paced plot, this suspenseful story appeals to readers who enjoy smart thrillers. Ideal for teens who like science-influenced mysteries, moral dilemmas, and richly drawn characters.
Setting: Lisbon and a private island off the coast of Portugal, 1960s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Arm of the Starfish right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Arm of the Starfish. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 trust and betrayal, ethics in science, identity and responsibility.
How long does it take to read The Arm of the Starfish?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Arm of the Starfish takes around 7.7h to finish. The book has 76,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Arm of the Starfish have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Arm of the Starfish 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 The Arm of the Starfish?
The Arm of the Starfish has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.