Two Miserable Presidents
Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War
Roaring Brook Press 2009
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include civil war
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Genre
Themes
- civil war
- leadership
- slavery and abolition
- division and unity
- courage
- politics and power
- strategy and decision-making
- resilience
About this book
In this fast, funny, and fact-packed history, Steve Sheinkin uncovers the surprising stories and larger‑than‑life personalities behind the Civil War. With lively anecdotes, primary‑source quotes, and plenty of humor, he explains how the nation split and what it felt like to live through those turbulent years. It’s written for middle-grade readers who like true stories that read like adventures. Kids enjoy the short chapters, memorable characters, and clear explanations that make complex history easy to follow.
Setting: United States, 1850s–1865 (the Civil War era: battlefields, the White House, Congress, and everyday life)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Two Miserable Presidents right for my child?
Yes — Two Miserable Presidents is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th 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 civil war, leadership, slavery and abolition.
How long does it take to read Two Miserable Presidents?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Two Miserable Presidents takes around 6.2h to finish. The book has 65,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Two Miserable Presidents have an AR quiz?
Yes — Two Miserable Presidents has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Two Miserable Presidents?
Two Miserable Presidents has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th 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.