The Dolphin Crossing cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 5.2
Points 6.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 40644
Points per Word 0.000148
Page Count 174
Points per Page 0.034483

Description

In the spring of 1940, The Dolphin Crossing follows Pat and his friend John as they risk their lives to sail a small boat across the English Channel to help the British soldiers stranded at Dunkirk. Their daring voyage pits them against treacherous seas, enemy patrols, and the constant danger of capture, while also testing the limits of their friendship and courage. The novel immerses readers in the tension of wartime Britain, showing how ordinary people can be drawn into extraordinary events and the moral weight of choosing to act when so much is at stake.

Quick Summary

Two teenage friends, Pat and John, decide they can't stand by while British troops are trapped at Dunkirk, so they take a small boat across the English Channel in the spring of 1940, risking everything for a daring rescue. The story mixes the gut-wrenching tension of wartime adventure with the genuine camaraderie and stubbornness that make kids relatable, and it gives readers a feel for the courage it took to act when everything seemed hopeless. If you're into historical fiction that puts ordinary kids in extraordinary situations, or if you liked The War That Saved My Life, this one will pull you in. It's a solid pick for middle-grade readers who want a story that's both exciting and a little bit educational about World War II. Parents will be glad to know it stays age-appropriate, with some scary moments but no graphic violence, and it's a great conversation starter about bravery and responsibility.