Blood and Germs
The Civil War Battle Against Wounds and Disease
by Gail Jarrow
Astra Publishing House 2020
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Themes include war and survival
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Genre
Themes
- medical innovation
- war and survival
- public health
- courage and sacrifice
- science in history
- sanitation and hygiene
- resilience
- compassion
About this book
This fast-paced nonfiction book explores how doctors, nurses, and soldiers battled wounds, infection, and disease during the American Civil War. Using vivid photos, primary-source quotes, and real medical cases, Gail Jarrow shows how bullets, germs, and poor sanitation took a devastating toll—and how the crisis sparked life-saving innovations. It’s an eye-opening look at science, history, and medicine in action. Best for curious middle-grade readers who like true stories, gripping details, and learning how discoveries change the world.
Setting: United States army camps, field hospitals, and battlefields during the Civil War (1861–1865)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blood and Germs right for my child?
Yes — Blood and Germs is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.8, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include medical innovation, war and survival, public health.
How long does it take to read Blood and Germs?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Blood and Germs takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blood and Germs have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blood and Germs has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Blood and Germs?
Blood and Germs has an AR reading level of 7.8, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.