Skeleton Coast
by Clive Cussler, Jack Du Brul
Penguin 2012
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include advanced technology in warfare
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Genre
Themes
- treasure hunting
- loyalty and teamwork
- piracy and mercenaries
- political corruption
- terrorism and insurgency
- survival against the elements
- advanced technology in warfare
- deception and double-cross
- shipwrecks and maritime mystery
About this book
After a harrowing mission on the Congo River, Juan Cabrillo and the covert crew of the Oregon answer a mayday off Africa’s west coast and rescue Sloane Macintyre, a determined explorer hunting a long-lost ship believed to have gone down off Namibia’s infamous Skeleton Coast—possibly with a fortune aboard. Drawn into a web of arms deals, double-crosses, and a fanatical warlord’s deadly ambitions, Cabrillo must navigate treacherous waters and deserts alike to stop a catastrophe while uncovering the truth behind a century-old shipwreck.
Setting: Modern-day west and southwest Africa—Congo River, Angola, and Namibia’s Skeleton Coast—aboard the high-tech ship Oregon and across desert interiors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skeleton Coast right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skeleton Coast. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th 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 treasure hunting, loyalty and teamwork, piracy and mercenaries.
How long does it take to read Skeleton Coast?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Skeleton Coast takes around 13h to finish. The book has 135,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skeleton Coast have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skeleton Coast has an AR quiz available, worth 18 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 Skeleton Coast?
Skeleton Coast has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th 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.