Gettysburg
Random House 1952
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and conflict
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Genre
Themes
- war and conflict
- leadership
- courage
- sacrifice
- strategy and tactics
- patriotism
- turning points in history
About this book
MacKinlay Kantor’s Gettysburg offers a vivid, day-by-day account of the pivotal Civil War battle for young readers. With clear storytelling, maps, and memorable portraits of leaders and ordinary soldiers, it explains how decisions on both sides shaped the outcome. The book blends action, strategy, and human stories to make complex history accessible. It’s a strong pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction and American history.
Setting: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1–3, 1863; American Civil War
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gettysburg right for my child?
Yes — Gettysburg is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th 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 war and conflict, leadership, courage.
How long does it take to read Gettysburg?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Gettysburg takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gettysburg have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gettysburg 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 Gettysburg?
Gettysburg has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th 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.