Watership Down
by Richard Adams
Puffin 2018
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- leadership
- friendship and loyalty
- freedom vs. tyranny
- community and belonging
- courage
- nature and the wild
- hope
About this book
When Fiver senses a looming danger, his brother Hazel leads a small band of rabbits on a daring escape from their warren. Their journey across the English countryside tests their courage, wit, and teamwork as they seek a safe new home. Rich world-building, rabbit lore, and high-stakes adventure make this a captivating read. Ideal for strong middle grade and teen readers who enjoy epic quests and animal fantasy.
Setting: rural southern England (the Downs), contemporary to the novel’s publication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watership Down right for my child?
Yes — Watership Down is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.2, 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 survival, leadership, friendship and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Watership Down?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Watership Down takes around 15h to finish. The book has 156,154 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Watership Down have an AR quiz?
Yes — Watership Down has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Watership Down?
Watership Down has an AR reading level of 6.2, 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.