The River
by Gary Paulsen
Delacorte Press 1991
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- responsibility
- resilience
- courage
- self-reliance
- ingenuity
- man vs. nature
- friendship and trust
About this book
Two years after surviving alone in the wild, Brian Robeson is asked to return to the Canadian wilderness so experts can learn from his experience. Accompanied by a researcher, Brian plans a safe trip—until a sudden storm forces him to rely on his skills once again. With only the tools he can carry and the river as his path, Brian must find a way to get help fast. Fans of Hatchet will enjoy the tense, fast-paced adventure and Brian’s problem-solving under pressure.
Setting: remote Canadian wilderness along a river, contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The River right for my child?
Yes — The River is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, 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 survival, responsibility, resilience.
How long does it take to read The River?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The River takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The River have an AR quiz?
Yes — The River 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 River?
The River has an AR reading level of 5.5, 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.