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I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 (2013) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Ten-year-old boy, facing the chaos of war, finds himself caught in the middle of the Battle of Gettysburg. He must survive the brutal conflict and find his family amidst the destruction. The book depicts the horrors of war through the eyes of a child.

Middle Grade • 2013 • 112 pages • Lexile 610L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty)

3.9
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

This historical fiction novel follows a young boy and his sister, who have escaped slavery, as they get caught in the middle of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The book is written for middle-grade readers and focuses on the courage and survival of those impacted by conflict. Parents should be aware of realistic historical violence, descriptions of injuries, and the portrayal of the harsh realities of slavery and the… Sign up for the full guide

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Is I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 appropriate for kids?

This historical fiction novel follows a young boy and his sister, who have escaped slavery, as they get caught in the middle of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The book is written for middle-grade readers and focuses on the courage and survival of those impacted… Read more — free account

Content severity in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Mild 1/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863, moment by moment

  1. p. 5 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. p. 18 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
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Sex and nudity in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863

There are no romantic or sexual themes present in this historical fiction novel. The story remains focused on the survival of siblings and the historical context of the Civil War, making it suitable for middle-grade readers. References to intimacy or physical romance are entirely absent from the narrative. The bond between Thomas and Birdie is strictly familial and protective, centering on their journey through dangerous territory. There are no scenes of flirtation or inappropriate contact between characters…

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Violence and gore in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863

Violence is moderate for the age group, emphasizing the chaos of 19th-century warfare. The book contains vivid descriptions of cannon fire, musket strikes, and the sight of fallen, wounded soldiers on the battlefield. A character is shot in the leg, and the protagonists must navigate through smoke and flying bullets during Pickett's Charge. There are also descriptions of the cruelty Thomas endured as an enslaved person, including references to being whipped. Scenes involving slave catchers add a layer of…

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Language in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863

The language in this novel is very mild and appropriate for the 10+ age group. There is no profanity or modern vulgarity used by any of the characters. Period-typical terms like 'rebel,' 'Yankee,' and 'Confederate' appear frequently relative to the military and war context. The text avoids using racial slurs often associated with the 1860s, opting instead to describe the cruelty of characters through their actions and attitudes. This approach keeps the reading experience accessible while maintaining historical…

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Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863

There are no scenes involving the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in this book. The characters are focused on escaping slavery and surviving a dangerous military conflict, leaving no room for depictions of intoxication or recreational substance use. The narrative maintains a clean and educational tone appropriate for its target age group, avoiding even the mention of the whiskey or tobacco often found in soldier-focused historical accounts. This ensures the focus remains strictly on the historical events…

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Mature themes in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863

Heavy themes of the American Civil War, the injustice of slavery, the fear of being captured by slave catchers, and the loss of family members. It deals with bravery, compassion for the wounded, and the historical gravity of the Battle of Gettysburg.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 is best for ages 10+. This historical fiction novel follows a young boy and his sister, who have escaped slavery, as they get caught in the middle of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The book is written for middle-grade…

What age rating does I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 is published for a Middle Grade audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What reading level is I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863?

I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 is 112 pages and its reading level is Lexile 610L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 10+.

What is I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 about?

This historical fiction novel follows a young boy and his sister, who have escaped slavery, as they get caught in the middle of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The book is written for middle-grade readers and focuses on the courage and survival of those impacted by conflict. Parents should be aware of…

Is there sex or nudity in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863?

There are no romantic or sexual themes present in this historical fiction novel. The story remains focused on the survival of siblings and the historical context of the Civil War, making it suitable for middle-grade readers. References to intimacy or physical…

How violent is I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863?

Violence is moderate for the age group, emphasizing the chaos of 19th-century warfare. The book contains vivid descriptions of cannon fire, musket strikes, and the sight of fallen, wounded soldiers on the battlefield. A character is shot in the leg, and the…

Is the language in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 appropriate for kids?

The language in this novel is very mild and appropriate for the 10+ age group. There is no profanity or modern vulgarity used by any of the characters. Period-typical terms like 'rebel,' 'Yankee,' and 'Confederate' appear frequently relative to the military…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863?

There are no scenes involving the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in this book. The characters are focused on escaping slavery and surviving a dangerous military conflict, leaving no room for depictions of intoxication or recreational substance use…

What mature themes appear in I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg 1863?

Heavy themes of the American Civil War, the injustice of slavery, the fear of being captured by slave catchers, and the loss of family members. It deals with bravery, compassion for the wounded, and the historical gravity of the Battle of Gettysburg.

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