The drummer boy of Vicksburg

G. Clifton Wisler

Cover of The drummer boy of Vicksburg

The drummer boy of Vicksburg

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by G. Clifton Wisler

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 5th 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.

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About This Book

Fourteen-year-old Orion Howe steps into the chaos of the Civil War, using courage and determination to make a difference during the fierce battle at Vicksburg. His role as a drummer boy becomes a symbol of bravery and hope amid the turmoil of war. Experience history through the eyes of a young hero who proves that even the smallest voices can echo loudly in times of conflict.

Themes

HistoricalComing of AgeHeroismWar & Conflict

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include physical danger, war & conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Physical Danger War & Conflict
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

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

133 pages
32,933 words
3h 40m read-aloud
ISBN
052567537X
Pages
133
Publisher
Dutton Juvenile
Published
1997
Type
Fiction
Word Count
32,933
Read-Aloud
~3h 40m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Howe, Orion P.,D. 1930HeroesUnited StatesCivil War, 1861-1865