Red Cap
Paw Prints 1991
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and its costs
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- resilience
- war and its costs
- loyalty
- hope
- coming of age
- justice
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Ransom J. Powell lies about his age to join the Union Army as a drummer boy during the Civil War. What begins as a bid for adventure quickly becomes a fight to endure the hardship and danger of real battle and captivity. Based on a true story, the novel follows Ranse’s grit and quick thinking as he tries to survive and hold on to hope. It’s a powerful pick for middle-grade readers who like vivid historical settings and stories of courage under pressure.
Setting: American South during the Civil War, including Union camps, battlefields, and Andersonville prison, 1860s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Cap right for my child?
Yes — Red Cap is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th 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 survival, courage, resilience.
How long does it take to read Red Cap?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Red Cap takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Red Cap have an AR quiz?
Yes — Red Cap has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Red Cap?
Red Cap has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th 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.