Charley Skedaddle
by Patricia Beatty
Troll Associates 1996
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include the costs of war
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- courage
- coming of age
- the costs of war
- identity and conscience
- redemption
- survival
- loyalty
- compassion
About this book
Twelve-year-old Charley Quinn, a tough Bowery boy from New York City, joins the Union Army as a drummer after his brother is killed in the Civil War. The brutal reality of battle forces him to rethink what bravery really means, sending him on an unexpected journey far from home. Along the way he meets people who challenge his ideas about loyalty, courage, and kindness. Fast-paced and rich in historical detail, this is a strong choice for middle-grade readers who like action, history, and character growth.
Setting: New York City and the Virginia mountains during the American Civil War (1860s)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charley Skedaddle right for my child?
Yes — Charley Skedaddle is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, coming of age, the costs of war.
How long does it take to read Charley Skedaddle?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Charley Skedaddle takes around 5.2h to finish. The book has 51,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Charley Skedaddle have an AR quiz?
Yes — Charley Skedaddle has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Charley Skedaddle?
Charley Skedaddle has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.