What reading level is Big Game Jitters?

Big Game Jitters by L. M. Nicodemo is at a Level 3-4 reading level. Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Big Game Jitters appropriate for?

Big Game Jitters is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 8C (Clear). Content flags: Fear & Anxiety, Bullying.

What genre is Big Game Jitters?

Big Game Jitters is fiction — Juvenile Fiction. Part of the Secret Games of Maximus Todd series.

Does Big Game Jitters have any content warnings?

Big Game Jitters has a HootRating of 8C (Clear). Content flags include: Fear & Anxiety, Bullying. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Big Game Jitters?

Big Game Jitters by L. M. Nicodemo is 96 pages (approximately 4,267 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Big Game Jitters

L. M. Nicodemo

Big Game Jitters

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by L. M. Nicodemo

Secret Games of Maximus Todd

Reading Level 3-4 8C Ages 5-8 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Maximus Todd is ready to help his soccer team win against their biggest rivals, but when nervous jitters take over, he finds it hard to focus on the game. With his wiggly energy and a tough bully on the other team, Max must find a way to stay calm and give his best on the field. Full of humor and fast action, this story shows how courage and determination can make all the difference.

Themes

Friendship Sports HumorOvercoming Challenges

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 3-4 book with gentle content intensity. Content themes include fear & anxiety, bullying. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated Big Game Jitters 8C

Big Game Jitters is written at a Level 3-4 reading level across 96 pages (approximately 4,267 words). Strong independent readers around grade 4.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Big Game Jitters works for readers up to grade 5.4.

Read aloud, Big Game Jitters takes about 28 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Big Game Jitters as 8C ("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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Bullying.

Thematically, Big Game Jitters explores friendship, sports, humor, and overcoming challenges — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, sports, humor.