The Goats
by Brock Cole
Macmillan 1987
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- bullying and humiliation
- survival
- friendship
- trust
- identity
- resilience
- independence
- courage
About this book
At a summer camp, a boy and a girl are humiliated by other campers and abandoned on an island, forcing them to rely on each other to find safety. As they make their way through small towns around a lake, they learn to navigate strangers, secrets, and their own growing trust. This is a thoughtful, emotionally intense survival story about resilience and healing after bullying. Best for older middle schoolers and up, it resonates with readers who like realistic adventures grounded in character and heart.
Setting: contemporary American Midwest, a summer camp island and small towns around a lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Goats right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Goats. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 bullying and humiliation, survival, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Goats?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Goats takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 55,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Goats have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Goats 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 Goats?
The Goats has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.