Boot Hill cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 5.7
Points 12.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 76167
Points per Word 0.000158
Page Count 351
Points per Page 0.034188

Description

Fifteen short stories narrate how various citizens of mid-19th-century Dodge City came to be planted in Boot Hill Cemetery.

Quick Summary

Boot Hill is a collection of fifteen short stories that each follow a different resident of mid-19th-century Dodge City on the path to their final resting place in the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery. The tales mix frontier grit with a dash of dark humor, so you get everything from a sharpshooting doctor who can't resist a duel to a mischievous kid who pushes his luck a little too far, all told with a wink and a nod. Each story is self-contained, making it perfect for readers who want a quick read before moving on, and the AR level of 5.7 means it's challenging enough for high-schoolers but still accessible for strong middle-school readers. Parents will appreciate that the violence is mild and wrapped in historical context, and the book throws in a few quirky facts about old-west life along the way. If you've ever enjoyed collections like "Tales of the Old West" or "Frontier Folklore," you'll find a lot to love here, especially if you like a mix of humor, history, and a little bit of spooky fun.