How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler
The Story of American Artistry and Deception in World War II
by Rebecca Siegel
Peachtree Publishers 2025
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- ingenuity
- deception and disguise
- teamwork
- courage
- innovation
- art and technology
- problem-solving
- strategy
About this book
This fast-paced nonfiction book reveals the true story of the U.S. Army’s top-secret “Ghost Army,” a unit of artists, designers, and sound engineers who used inflatable tanks, fake radio traffic, and booming soundscapes to mislead the Nazis in World War II. Readers learn how creativity and teamwork became powerful tools on the battlefield, saving lives through deception rather than firepower. Clear explanations, photos, and vivid anecdotes make complex operations easy to follow. It’s a great pick for history buffs and for kids who love stories about ingenuity and real-life problem solving.
Setting: Nazi-occupied France and Western Europe, 1944–1945
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler right for my child?
Yes — How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.5, 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 ingenuity, deception and disguise, teamwork.
How long does it take to read How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 47,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler have an AR quiz?
Yes — How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler 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 How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler?
How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler has an AR reading level of 7.5, 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.