Traveller
A Novel
by Richard Adams
Alfred A. Knopf 1988
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.4 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include war and its costs
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Genre
Themes
- loyalty
- war and its costs
- honor and duty
- friendship
- identity and memory
- loss and resilience
- perspective
- history and storytelling
About this book
Told in the folksy voice of General Robert E. Lee’s beloved horse, Traveller, this historical novel views the American Civil War from the stable yard and the battlefield edge. Traveller recounts marches, camps, and famous encounters with a mixture of loyalty, courage, and confusion about the human conflict around him. Readers who enjoy animal narrators and richly detailed history will find a fresh perspective on familiar events. Best for mature middle schoolers and high school readers who like thoughtful, character-driven war stories.
Setting: Confederate camps and battlefields across Virginia and the American South, 1861–1865
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Traveller right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Traveller. The reading level is AR 7.4, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include loyalty, war and its costs, honor and duty.
How long does it take to read Traveller?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Traveller takes around 9.3h to finish. The book has 98,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Traveller have an AR quiz?
Yes — Traveller has an AR quiz available, worth 15 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 Traveller?
Traveller has an AR reading level of 7.4, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.