The Deep
Scholastic Inc. 2003
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- courage
- trust and betrayal
- perseverance
- mystery
- greed vs. integrity
- problem-solving
About this book
In the second book of Gordon Korman’s Dive trilogy, a group of young divers returns to a mysterious wreck that may hold real treasure—if they can prove it isn’t just a movie prop. With adult supervisors doubting them and dangers lurking below the surface, the crew must rely on quick thinking and teamwork. Fast-paced chapters, cliffhangers, and underwater thrills keep readers turning pages. Perfect for middle grade adventure fans who love mysteries, treasure hunts, and high-stakes teamwork.
Setting: modern-day Caribbean aboard a research vessel and an underwater wreck site
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Deep right for my child?
Yes — The Deep is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 teamwork, courage, trust and betrayal.
How long does it take to read The Deep?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Deep takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 21,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Deep have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Deep 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 The Deep?
The Deep has an AR reading level of 5, 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.