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Terror at Bottle Creek

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Watt Key

Terror at Bottle Creek

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alabama • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

650L

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Super Short Summary

In Watt Key's Terror at Bottle Creek, 13-year-old Cort and his dog, Catfish, face a harrowing struggle for survival when a hurricane hits Alabama's swamps, leaving Cort to protect his friends, Liza and Francie, as they navigate flooded and wildlife-inhabited terrains to reach safety. The novel features themes of family separation, a dangerous storm, and encounters with wild animals.

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,821 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key highlight its gripping, survivalist storyline and well-drawn characters, appealing widely to younger readers. Positive feedback praises the vivid, suspenseful scenes and realistic depiction of a natural disaster. Some critics mention predictable plot elements and simplistic writing that may not engage older audiences. Overall, it's a commendable adventure for middle-grade readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Terror at Bottle Creek?

Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key captivates readers aged 10-14 who seek thrilling survival stories and deep connections with nature. Fans of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet or Jean Craighead George's My Side of the Mountain will appreciate this tale of resilience and adventure set in the perilous Alabama swamps.

4.3

1,821 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Cort

A 13-year-old boy living with his father on a houseboat in Carolina, navigating the challenges of life on the river and his evolving relationship with his family and friends.

A knowledgeable river guide from Carolina's swamps, struggling to balance his dedication to the swamp lifestyle with his familial responsibilities after his wife leaves.

Cort's friend and neighboring riverfront resident, whose relationship with the river changes after her father's death, prompting Cort to worry about their future connection.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alabama • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

650L

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