Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback))
Susan Sinnott
Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback))
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Sinnott
Illustrated by Dorothy Handelman (Illustrator, Photographer)
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time to one of the most famous battles in American history? Imagine wearing a soldier's uniform and marching alongside your family through fields where history was made. But what surprises and challenges await Charley Waters during the big Civil War reenactment?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction novel follows Charley Waters and his family as they participate in a detailed reenactment of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. It provides a respectful and engaging look at Civil War history suitable for children ages 9 to 12, with no graphic violence but realistic depictions of military life and historical events. Parents can expect a thoughtful exploration of history through the eyes of young participants in a reenactment community.
Why we rated Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback)) 9LP
Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback)) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback)) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback)) as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg (Single Titles (Paperback)) explores history - military & wars, history - united states/19th century, history - united states/civil war, family, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history - military & wars, history - united states/19th century, history - united states/civil war.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Battle of Gettysburg (Turning Points in American History)
Vincent J. Coffey
The Battle of Gettysburg (Turning Points in American History)
Vincent J. Coffey
Gettysburg (American Landmarks (Library))
Jason Cooper
Gettysburg (American Landmarks (Library))
Jason Cooper
From Antietam to Gettysburg
Peter F. Copeland
From Antietam to Gettysburg
Peter F. Copeland
Battle at Gettysburg
Joanne Randolph
Battle at Gettysburg
Joanne Randolph
The Battle of Gettysburg
James A. Corrick
The Battle of Gettysburg
James A. Corrick
Gettysburg
Elyse Cregar
Gettysburg
Elyse Cregar
Details
- ISBN
- 9780613888554
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- March 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction