Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley
The Mystery of the Hunley
by Kate Boehm Jerome
Penguin 2002
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Themes include war and technology
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- innovation and invention
- bravery
- teamwork
- perseverance
- war and technology
- mystery
- scientific discovery
- history
About this book
This engaging nonfiction reader tells the true story of the C.S.S. Hunley, the small Confederate submarine that made history in 1864 when it became the first sub to sink an enemy ship—and then mysteriously disappeared. With clear text and archival images, the book follows the invention, daring mission, and modern scientific efforts to uncover what happened. It’s written for young readers who love history, technology, and real-life mysteries. Kids enjoy the blend of adventure, discovery, and easy-to-digest facts about the Civil War and underwater archaeology.
Setting: Charleston Harbor during the American Civil War (1864) and modern archaeological labs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include innovation and invention, bravery, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley takes around 12m to finish. The book has 1,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley have an AR quiz?
Yes — Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley?
Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.