Back-Up Plan
Bill Yu
Back-Up Plan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bill Yu
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Artie’s voice booms through the broadcast booth, calling every thrilling play — until the hockey goalie gets hurt. Suddenly, Artie steps onto the ice, skates wobbling, heart racing. Can he protect the net and prove he’s more than just a commentator?
Quick Assessment
This early reader chapter book follows Artie Lieberman, a passionate game announcer who unexpectedly becomes a substitute goalie for his school's hockey team. Suitable for ages 5-8 and aligned with Common Core standards, the story explores themes of courage and trying new challenges. Parents should note it features mild sports-related action and focuses on confidence-building.
Why we rated Back-Up Plan 7LE
Back-Up Plan is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Back-Up Plan works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Back-Up Plan as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Back-Up Plan explores sports, friendship, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about sports, friendship, coming of age.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Quarterback scramble
Brandon Terrell
Quarterback scramble
Brandon Terrell
Backup goalie
Dean Hughes
Backup goalie
Dean Hughes
Hockey
Ryan Nagelhout
Hockey
Ryan Nagelhout
Hockey
Olney
Hockey
Olney
Hockey
Mari C. Schuh
Hockey
Mari C. Schuh
Backboard Fever (Chip Hilton Sports)
Clair Bee
Backboard Fever (Chip Hilton Sports)
Clair Bee
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781532138294
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Get in the Game
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Nonfiction