Perilous Road
by William Steele
Rebound by Sagebrush 1999
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and its consequences
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Genre
Themes
- family and loyalty
- prejudice and empathy
- war and its consequences
- courage
- forgiveness
- identity and values
- moral growth
About this book
Set in Civil War–era Tennessee, this historical novel follows a young boy whose anger and fear are tested when the war comes to his doorstep. As he ventures into dangerous territory, he begins to see the conflict from new perspectives and confronts the cost of hatred. The story is accessible to middle-grade readers, with plenty of action, vivid frontier details, and thoughtful character growth. Kids enjoy its suspenseful journey and the way it invites them to consider empathy, loyalty, and courage.
Setting: eastern Tennessee during the American Civil War (1860s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perilous Road right for my child?
Yes — Perilous Road is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 family and loyalty, prejudice and empathy, war and its consequences.
How long does it take to read Perilous Road?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Perilous Road takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 34,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Perilous Road have an AR quiz?
Yes — Perilous Road has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Perilous Road?
Perilous Road has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.