History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A.
Samuel W. Scott
History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Samuel W. Scott
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What happens when a whole region chooses sides in a war that splits families and towns? In the rugged hills of Upper East Tennessee, brave men risk everything to fight for the Union, even as the Confederacy tries to control their homes. But how far will loyalty take them when danger lurks on every side?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction explores the complex loyalties of Upper East Tennessee during the Civil War, focusing on the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, a Union unit made up largely of men from Johnson and Carter Counties. Suitable for readers ages 13-18, the book delves into themes of war, regional identity, and the personal struggles of soldiers. Parents should be aware of the mature themes related to war and displacement but will find a thoughtful portrayal of historical conflict.
Why we rated History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A. 12ME
History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A. is written at a Level 8 reading level across 520 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A. works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A. as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Physical Danger, War & Conflict, Loss & Grief.
Thematically, History of the Thirteenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry U.S.A. explores history - military / war, civil war, coming of age, family, and survival — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history - military / war, civil war, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
6/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780932807236
- Pages
- 520
- Publisher
- The Overmountain Press
- Published
- December 1987
- Type
- Nonfiction