What reading level is Under the Guns?

Under the Guns by Susan Macatee is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Under the Guns appropriate for?

Under the Guns is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is Under the Guns?

Under the Guns is fiction — Fiction.

Does Under the Guns have any content warnings?

Under the Guns has a HootRating of 9ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Under the Guns?

Under the Guns by Susan Macatee is 182 pages.

Under the Guns

Susan Macatee

Under the Guns

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Susan Macatee

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.

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About This Book

War isn't just about battles and heroes—it's about real people who face tough choices and heartache. Cassidy and George are two young souls caught in the whirlwind of the Civil War, discovering that bravery means more than fighting; it means facing loss and holding onto hope. Their story shows why courage matters, even when the world feels like it's falling apart.

Themes

HistoricalWar & MilitaryComing of Age Family Romance

Quick Assessment

Set during the American Civil War, this middle-grade novel follows sixteen-year-old Cassidy Stuart and family friend George Masters as they navigate the harsh realities of war, including family separation, injury, and loss. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book sensitively portrays historical conflict, the emotional toll of war, and young love amidst chaos. Parents should note the depiction of battlefield injuries and themes of family hardship and addiction.