Wild river
by P. J. Petersen
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2009
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- brotherhood
- courage
- responsibility
- teamwork
- decision-making
- man vs. nature
About this book
Two brothers head out on a white-water rafting trip, where the cautious younger sibling clashes with his thrill-seeking older brother. When things go wrong on the river, they must rely on quick thinking, teamwork, and grit to make it back to safety. Fast-paced chapters and high-stakes action keep readers turning pages. A great pick for middle graders who enjoy survival adventures and brother stories.
Setting: remote river canyon in the American West during a white-water rafting trip
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild river right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Wild river. The reading level is AR 3.9, which is typical for 3rd 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, brotherhood, courage.
How long does it take to read Wild river?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Wild river takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wild river have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wild river has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Wild river?
Wild river has an AR reading level of 3.9, which places it at a 3rd 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.