Behind the blue and gray

Delia Ray

Cover of Behind the blue and gray

Behind the blue and gray

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Soldier's Life in the Civil War

by Delia Ray

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

What was it like to live through the Civil War as a young soldier? Imagine marching into battle, facing fear and hope, and wondering if you'll ever see home again. The story unfolds through the eyes of those who fought, but what secrets will they carry with them?

Quick Assessment

This historical fiction novel for ages 9-12 explores the American Civil War from the perspective of individual soldiers, covering events from the first battle to the surrender. The book provides an accessible look at this complex period in U.S. history, emphasizing personal experiences while maintaining age-appropriate content. Parents should note that while battles and war-related themes are present, the depiction is suitable for middle-grade readers.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

102 pages
ISBN
9780525673330
Pages
102
Publisher
Dutton Juvenile
Published
1991
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

United States. ArmyCivil War, 1861-1865Confederate States of America. ArmyUnited StatesConfederate States of AmericaUnited States Civil War, 1861-18651861-1865, Civil WarConfederate States of America ArmyUnited States ArmyAmerican Civil Warfastfst01351658United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865United States, Armed ForcesCivil War1861-1865Confederate States of America, ArmyArmy

Places

United States