The Matchlock Gun
Penguin 1998
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family bonds
- responsibility
- frontier life
- survival
- fear and bravery
- coming of age
About this book
Set in 1756 New York during the French and Indian War, this classic follows young Edward as he shoulders adult-sized responsibility while his father is away. With only his mother and little sister at home, Edward must remember what he’s been taught about an enormous old matchlock gun and what it means to be brave. The story is short, tense, and rich with historical detail, making it accessible to independent readers in upper elementary grades. Kids are drawn to its suspense, strong family bond, and a vivid window into frontier life.
Setting: colonial New York during the French and Indian War (1756)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Matchlock Gun right for my child?
Yes — The Matchlock Gun is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 courage, family bonds, responsibility.
How long does it take to read The Matchlock Gun?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Matchlock Gun takes around 51m to finish. The book has 8,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Matchlock Gun have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Matchlock Gun has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 The Matchlock Gun?
The Matchlock Gun has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.