The Stern Chase
Penguin 2022
Book 9 of Brotherband
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Book 9 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- leadership
- loyalty
- courage
- revenge
- strategy and problem-solving
- perseverance
- found family
About this book
Hal and the Heron Brotherband spot an Iberian pirate ship terrorizing the coast and are pulled into a high-stakes pursuit across the northern seas. Fast-paced naval action, clever tactics, and tight-knit teamwork drive this installment set in the world of Ranger’s Apprentice. Readers who enjoy seafaring adventure, camaraderie, and inventive problem-solving will be hooked. A great pick for upper middle-grade fans of strategy-packed, humor-tinged quests.
Setting: the northern seas of Skandia and nearby coasts in a Viking-inspired fantasy world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Stern Chase right for my child?
Yes — The Stern Chase is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th 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 teamwork, leadership, loyalty. Note: this is book 9 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Stern Chase?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Stern Chase takes around 8.4h to finish. The book has 88,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Stern Chase have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Stern Chase has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Stern Chase?
The Stern Chase has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th 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.