The Cannibals
Laurel Leaf 2009
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- friendship
- injustice and justice
- courage
- loyalty and betrayal
- freedom
- identity
- perseverance
About this book
Tom Tin is being shipped to Australia to serve time for a crime he didn’t commit, and the captain of the transport is his own father—who can’t protect him from the powerful enemies waiting back in London. With his friend Midgely, Tom plans a daring escape at sea, even as ruthless fellow prisoners mark him as their target. Storms, starvation, and the threat of treachery test Tom’s courage and wits on the open ocean. Readers who like high-stakes historical adventures will be hooked by the danger, mystery, and loyal friendships.
Setting: aboard a convict ship in the South Pacific and near Australia, mid-1800s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cannibals right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Cannibals. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include survival, friendship, injustice and justice.
How long does it take to read The Cannibals?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Cannibals takes around 6.9h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Cannibals have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Cannibals 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 The Cannibals?
The Cannibals has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.