Williwaw!
by Tom Bodett
Tandem Library 2000
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
- sibling relationships
- courage
- honesty
- independence
- consequences
- wilderness
About this book
Living in a remote Alaska cove while their fisherman dad is away, siblings Ivan and September think they can handle things on their own. When a risky decision puts them out on the water, they’re forced to face sudden, fierce winds known as a williwaw and the harsh realities of the wilderness. This fast-paced survival story highlights courage, responsibility, and the bond between brother and sister. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic adventure with high stakes and a vivid sense of place.
Setting: remote coastal Alaska, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Williwaw! right for my child?
Yes — Williwaw! is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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, sibling relationships.
How long does it take to read Williwaw!?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Williwaw! takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Williwaw! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Williwaw! has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Williwaw!?
Williwaw! has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.