The Deep
Turtleback Books 2003
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- courage
- perseverance
- friendship
- treasure hunting
- trust
- problem-solving
- justice
About this book
In this fast-paced second book of Gordon Korman’s Dive trilogy, Kaz, Star, Adriana, and Dante close in on a legendary shipwreck in the Caribbean. Adults and rivals warn them away, but the team is determined to protect their discovery and uncover the truth. Tight dives, rough seas, and mounting pressure test their courage and teamwork at every turn. Short chapters, cliffhangers, and real-world diving details make it an exciting pick for middle-graders who love action and mystery.
Setting: a Caribbean island and underwater shipwreck site, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Deep right for my child?
Yes — The Deep is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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, perseverance.
How long does it take to read The Deep?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Deep takes around 3.4h to finish. The book has 30,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Deep have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Deep 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 Deep?
The Deep has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.