Tonight, by Sea
Tandem Library 1995
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family bonds
- resilience
- political oppression
- hope and survival
- community
- migration and refugees
- sacrifice
About this book
Set in a small coastal village in Haiti, Tonight, by Sea follows a brave teen and her family as they secretly build a boat to escape growing violence and fear. The story offers a window into daily life under political unrest and the impossible choices families must make to stay safe. Clear, compelling prose and high stakes keep readers turning pages, while themes of hope, community, and resilience resonate with middle schoolers.
Setting: coastal Haiti during political unrest in the early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tonight, by Sea right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tonight, by Sea. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 courage, family bonds, resilience.
How long does it take to read Tonight, by Sea?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tonight, by Sea takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tonight, by Sea have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tonight, by Sea has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Tonight, by Sea?
Tonight, by Sea has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.