The Monster Missions
by Laura Martin
HarperCollins 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include environmental stewardship
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- teamwork
- survival
- responsibility
- environmental stewardship
- ingenuity
- found family
About this book
In a future where the oceans have swallowed the land, Berkeley and her best friend Garth live aboard an old cruise ship and scavenge from drowned cities below. When they accidentally awaken a legendary sea monster, they’re sent to a high-tech submarine to learn how to study—and survive—these creatures. The story blends fast-paced action, clever problem-solving, and teamwork as the kids face colossal dangers under the waves. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love adventure, monsters, and sci‑fi twists.
Setting: a flooded future Earth aboard a scavenger cruise ship, submarines, and drowned cities beneath the sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monster Missions right for my child?
Yes — The Monster Missions is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 friendship, courage, teamwork.
How long does it take to read The Monster Missions?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Monster Missions takes around 6.2h to finish. The book has 61,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Monster Missions have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Monster Missions has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Monster Missions?
The Monster Missions has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.