When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America)
by Barry Denenberg
Scholastic 2003
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and home front
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Genre
Themes
- war and home front
- resilience
- family and loss
- loyalty
- identity
- courage
- coming of age
- survival
About this book
Written as the diary of Emma Simpson, a Southern teen in 1864 Virginia, this Dear America novel shows the Civil War from the home front. Emma records shortages, fear, and the strain of divided loyalties as the fighting draws closer to her town. Readers get a personal window into history through vivid daily details and a strong, relatable voice. It’s a compelling pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical diaries and character-driven stories.
Setting: Gordonsville, Virginia, 1864 (American Civil War)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America) right for my child?
Yes — When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, 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 war and home front, resilience, family and loss.
How long does it take to read When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America) takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America) have an AR quiz?
Yes — When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America) has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America)?
When Will This Cruel War Be Over? (Dear America) has an AR reading level of 5.8, 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.