Deputy at Wild Card
by Margaret Scariano
Tandem Library 1999
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- responsibility
- justice
- community
- integrity
- frontier life
- standing up to bullies
- coming of age
About this book
In this fast-paced historical adventure, a resourceful kid finds himself stepping into the role of deputy in the rough-and-tumble boomtown of Wild Card. With outlaws testing the limits and townsfolk looking for someone to keep the peace, he must decide what courage and responsibility really mean. Readers who enjoy frontier settings, quick action, and stories about doing the right thing will be hooked. Great for middle-grade readers who like short, engaging historical fiction.
Setting: a lawless mining town in the American West, late 1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deputy at Wild Card right for my child?
Yes — Deputy at Wild Card is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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, responsibility, justice.
How long does it take to read Deputy at Wild Card?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Deputy at Wild Card takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Deputy at Wild Card have an AR quiz?
Yes — Deputy at Wild Card has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Deputy at Wild Card?
Deputy at Wild Card has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.