What reading level is The Cay?

The Cay by Theodore Taylor is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The Cay appropriate for?

The Cay is recommended for Ages 9-12. Content intensity: "Mild" (2/5). Content flags: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety, Prejudice & Racism.

What genre is The Cay?

The Cay is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The Cay have any content warnings?

The Cay has a content intensity rating of "Mild" (2/5). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety, Prejudice & Racism. On HootRated, every book is rated for emotional, physical, and social content themes to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The Cay?

The Cay by Theodore Taylor is 162 pages.

The Cay

Theodore Taylor

The Cay

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Theodore Taylor

Reading Level 4-5 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Here’s a secret: Phillip thought war would be an exciting adventure, but when his ship sinks and he wakes up blind on a tiny raft, everything changes. His only helper is Timothy, a wise man from the island, but their biggest challenge is learning to trust each other. And that’s only the beginning.

Themes

Survival Friendship Coming of Age Family Historical Social Justice

Quick Assessment

The Cay tells the story of Phillip, a young boy who becomes blind after a shipwreck during World War II and must rely on Timothy, an older islander, to survive. This middle-grade novel explores themes of survival, friendship, and overcoming prejudice. The story is appropriate for ages 9-12 and includes mild peril and themes of racial understanding.