Vixen 03
A Novel
Bantam 2010
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include Cold War secrets, naval warfare
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Genre
Themes
- terrorism
- biological weapons
- Cold War secrets
- salvage and exploration
- espionage
- heroism
- government cover-ups
- naval warfare
- race-against-time
About this book
In 1954, a U.S. Air Force transport codenamed Vixen 03 crashes into a frozen Colorado lake while carrying canisters of a deadly bioweapon. Decades later, Dirk Pitt discovers the wreck—only to learn two canisters are missing and now fuel a terrorist plot to send a battleship up the Potomac and devastate Washington, D.C. Pitt races to stop a catastrophe before the unthinkable happens.
Setting: United States during the Cold War and late 1980s; a frozen Colorado lake; Washington, D.C., and the Potomac River; military and naval environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vixen 03 right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Vixen 03. The reading level is AR 6.6, 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 terrorism, biological weapons, Cold War secrets.
How long does it take to read Vixen 03?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Vixen 03 takes around 11h to finish. The book has 116,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Vixen 03 have an AR quiz?
Yes — Vixen 03 has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Vixen 03?
Vixen 03 has an AR reading level of 6.6, 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.