What reading level is Stowaway?

Stowaway by Karen Hesse is at a Level 7 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Stowaway appropriate for?

Stowaway is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 12ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is Stowaway?

Stowaway is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Stowaway have any content warnings?

Stowaway has a HootRating of 12ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Stowaway?

Stowaway by Karen Hesse is 320 pages.

Stowaway

Karen Hesse

Stowaway

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Karen Hesse

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The ship rocks violently as fierce winds howl around you. Salt sprays your face and the deck is slippery underfoot—somewhere below, a secret waits to be uncovered. Suddenly, a shout rings out, and everything changes in an instant.

Themes

Adventure HistoricalExploration & DiscoveryFriendship

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction novel follows Nicholas Young, a young stowaway aboard Captain James Cook's H.M.S. Endeavour during a perilous three-year voyage in 1768. The story explores themes of exploration, adventure, and friendship while depicting challenges such as storms, encounters with indigenous peoples, and illness. Suitable for middle-grade readers, it offers a vivid and engaging look at a significant historical journey with moderate emotional and physical intensity.