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Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union Books in Order

6 books by Jill K Mulhall. Reading level: Grades 4–5.1. Lower Grades (Ages 5–8).

Series books grow with readers — but that's also the trap. Most series start at one reading level and one content intensity and drift upward over the course of the run. Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union (6 books by Jill K Mulhall) lands at reading level Grades 4–5.1, with average content intensity 1.3/5.

The reading-order table below lists every book with per-volume reading level and intensity badges so you can spot any escalation before it catches your reader off guard. For a deeper dive into how we score text difficulty vs. emotional weight separately — and why series readers especially benefit from that split — see our methodology page.

6
Books
Grades 4–5.1
Reading Level
1.3/5
Avg. Intensity
LG
Lower Grades

Content Intensity Across the Series

Varies

Content intensity ranges from Gentle to Moderate across the series.

1
2
3
4
5
6
First book Latest book

Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union Reading Order

# Title Reading Level Content
1 Civil War Is Coming
Christi E. Parker
Level 5-6 Moderate
2 Expanding the Nation
Jill K Mulhall
Level 4-5 Gentle
3 James Madison
Jill K Mulhall
Level 4 Gentle
4 Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christi E. Parker
Level 4-5 Gentle
5 Lewis and Clark
Jill K Mulhall
Level 4-5 Gentle
6 War of 1812
Jill K Mulhall
Level 4-5 Gentle

Questions about the Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union series

What reading level is the Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union series?
The Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union series by Jill K Mulhall is at a Grades 4–5.1 reading level (average Grade 4.4). Intended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). There are 6 books in the series.
What order should I read the Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union books?
The reading-order table above lists all 6 books with per-volume reading level and intensity ratings. Start with book 1 and read in publication order unless the table indicates a different recommended order for newer readers.
What age is the Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union series appropriate for?
The Primary Source Readers: Expanding...the Union series is recommended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). The average content intensity is 1.3/5. Check the intensity trajectory above to see whether content gets heavier across the series — if it does, sensitive readers may want to stop earlier in the run.