American Pharoah
Shelley Fraser Mickle
American Pharoah
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Triple Crown Champion
by Shelley Fraser Mickle
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if a horse could make history by winning not just one, but four of the biggest races in America? Imagine the thunder of hooves, the cheers of the crowd, and the heart of a champion named American Pharoah. But could he really become the first to claim the ultimate prize in horse racing?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade book tells the inspiring true story of American Pharoah, the racehorse who won the 2015 Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup Classic, achieving a historic 'Grand Slam.' The narrative includes perspectives of key figures like the owner, trainer, and jockey, making it accessible and engaging for readers aged 9 to 12. The book is suitable for young readers interested in animals and sports, with no notable content concerns.
Why we rated American Pharoah 11C
American Pharoah is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, American Pharoah works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate American Pharoah as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, American Pharoah explores animals, sports & recreation, equestrian, friendship, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, sports & recreation, equestrian.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781481480710
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- Mar 26, 2019
- Type
- Nonfiction