Rising Tides
Chesapeake Bay Saga
by Nora Roberts
Penguin 1998
Book 5 of Destroyermen
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Healing from trauma
Book 5 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- Family and brotherhood
- Found family and adoption
- Healing from trauma
- Love and trust
- Duty and legacy
- Second chances
- Small-town community
- Working the water / maritime life
- Grief and resilience
- Identity and self-worth
About this book
The second novel in Nora Roberts’ Chesapeake Bay Saga follows Ethan Quinn, a quiet waterman devoted to the family’s boatbuilding business and to the troubled boy his late father brought into their home. As the Quinn brothers work to safeguard their father’s legacy on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ethan is forced to face his past and open his heart when his bond with a hardworking single mother and her child deepens—testing loyalty, love, and the meaning of family.
Setting: Chesapeake Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore (the fictional town of St. Christopher’s), contemporary/late 1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rising Tides right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Rising Tides. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Family and brotherhood, Found family and adoption, Healing from trauma. Note: this is book 5 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Rising Tides?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Rising Tides takes around 11h to finish. The book has 105,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rising Tides have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rising Tides has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Rising Tides?
Rising Tides has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.