Who Comes With Cannons?
by Patricia Beatty
HarperCollins 1992
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include pacifism and nonviolence
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- justice
- pacifism and nonviolence
- family and loyalty
- resistance to slavery
- secrecy and trust
- moral choice
- coming of age
About this book
In Civil War–era North Carolina, a brave Quaker girl goes to live with relatives and discovers their home is part of the Underground Railroad. As danger from Confederate home guards grows, she must rely on her wits, her values, and a tight-knit community to keep people safe. The story blends suspense with rich historical detail and a strong, relatable heroine. Perfect for readers who like history, daring escapes, and questions of right and wrong.
Setting: A Quaker farm in rural North Carolina during the early Civil War (1861–1863)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Who Comes With Cannons? right for my child?
Yes — Who Comes With Cannons? is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, 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, justice, pacifism and nonviolence.
How long does it take to read Who Comes With Cannons??
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Who Comes With Cannons? takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Who Comes With Cannons? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Who Comes With Cannons? has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Who Comes With Cannons??
Who Comes With Cannons? has an AR reading level of 5.6, 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.