Plastiki
David de Rothschild
Plastiki
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Across the Pacific on Plastic: An Adventure to Save Our Oceans
by David de Rothschild
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Here’s a secret: a boat made almost entirely from plastic bottles sailed across the ocean! David de Rothschild and his crew braved wild seas and hidden dangers to show how our oceans are in trouble—but that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade nonfiction book tells the true story of the Plastiki, a catamaran constructed from reclaimed plastic bottles, and its 10,000-mile journey from the U.S. to Australia. It introduces readers ages 9-12 to environmental issues such as ocean pollution and climate change, while inspiring awareness and action. The narrative includes maps, journal entries, and illustrations to engage young readers without intense content.
Why we rated Plastiki 11LT
Plastiki is written at a Level 6 reading level across 239 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Plastiki works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Plastiki as 11LT ("Light — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Plastiki explores science & nature, adventure, environmental conservation, and travel — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, adventure, environmental conservation.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LT — Light — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Plastic, Ahoy!
Patricia Newman
Plastic, Ahoy!
Patricia Newman
Plastics
F. George Kay
Plastics
F. George Kay
Plastic
Alexandra Fix
Plastic
Alexandra Fix
Plastic
Alexandra Fix
Plastic
Alexandra Fix
Fantastic plastics!
Meish Goldish
Fantastic plastics!
Meish Goldish
Plastic
Melanie Mitchell
Plastic
Melanie Mitchell
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781452100029
- Pages
- 239
- Publisher
- Chronicle Books
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction