The Navigator
by Clive Cussler, Paul Kemprecos
Penguin 2008
Book 7 of The NUMA Files
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 7 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- ancient artifacts and archaeology
- treasure hunting
- conspiracy and cover-ups
- international intrigue
- espionage
- technology and maritime science
- history intertwined with the present
- teamwork and loyalty
- good vs. greed/power
About this book
When a priceless Phoenician statue known as the Navigator resurfaces after being stolen from the Baghdad museum, Kurt Austin and the NUMA Special Assignments Team are drawn into a deadly hunt. As assassins target anyone connected to the relic, Austin and Joe Zavala unravel a conspiracy that links the ancient artifact to secret dealings involving an American founding father—racing across seas and continents to stop a plot with global stakes.
Setting: Contemporary global settings, including Baghdad and the Middle East, the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and the U.S. East Coast, often at sea with NUMA operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Navigator right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Navigator. 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 ancient artifacts and archaeology, treasure hunting, conspiracy and cover-ups. Note: this is book 7 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Navigator?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Navigator takes around 13h to finish. The book has 135,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Navigator have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Navigator 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 The Navigator?
The Navigator 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.