The Cay
Laurel Leaf 2011
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include prejudice and racism
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- friendship
- prejudice and racism
- courage
- coming of age
- trust
- resilience
- identity
About this book
After his ship is torpedoed during World War II, young Phillip finds himself adrift in the Caribbean with only an elderly West Indian man, Timothy, and a cat for company. Stranded on a tiny cay, the two must work together to find food, water, and shelter while Phillip confronts his own fears and prejudices. This gripping survival story blends adventure with a powerful look at friendship and trust. A great pick for upper elementary and middle school readers who enjoy fast-paced, thought-provoking tales.
Setting: a small Caribbean cay and the waters near Curaçao during World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cay right for my child?
Yes — The Cay is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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, friendship, prejudice and racism.
How long does it take to read The Cay?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Cay takes around 2.6h to finish. The book has 26,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Cay have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Cay has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Cay?
The Cay has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.