Two Miserable Presidents
The Amazing, Terrible, and Totally True Story of the Civil War
Square Fish 2009
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include causes of war
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Genre
Themes
- causes of war
- slavery and abolition
- politics and power
- leadership and responsibility
- sectionalism
- civil rights and justice
- propaganda and public opinion
- courage
About this book
Kicking off with a shocking attack in the U.S. Senate, Steve Sheinkin rewinds to show how everyday choices, heated politics, and giant moral questions pushed the nation into the Civil War. Told with humor, fast-paced storytelling, and plenty of surprising facts, it turns complicated history into a compelling, easy-to-follow narrative. Ideal for curious middle graders, it helps readers make sense of cause and effect, big personalities, and the issues behind the conflict. Engaging visuals and primary-source quotes keep even reluctant historians turning pages.
Setting: United States, 1850s–1865 (pre–Civil War through the Civil War)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Two Miserable Presidents right for my child?
Yes — Two Miserable Presidents is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th 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 causes of war, slavery and abolition, politics and power.
How long does it take to read Two Miserable Presidents?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Two Miserable Presidents takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 41,000 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 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 Two Miserable Presidents?
Two Miserable Presidents has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th 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.