Bobby Clarke
Julian May
Bobby Clarke
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Hockey with a Grin
by Julian May
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of hockey sticks echoes across the ice, and the cold air smells like fresh snow and victory. You can almost feel the rush as Bobby Clarke skates fast, dodging players and aiming for the goal. His teamwork and determination make every game unforgettable.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader biography introduces young children to Bobby Clarke, a celebrated hockey player who played a key role in winning the Philadelphia Flyers' second Stanley Cup in 1975. Written at a Grade 2 reading level, it is suitable for ages 5-8 and focuses on Clarke's athletic achievements without intense conflict or mature themes.
Why we rated Bobby Clarke 7C
Bobby Clarke is written at a Level 2 reading level across 46 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bobby Clarke works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Bobby Clarke as 7C ("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, Bobby Clarke explores sports, biography, friendship, and teamwork — 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, biography, friendship.
- ✓ 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
7C — 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
- 0913940321
- Pages
- 46
- Publisher
- Mankato, Minn. : Crestwood House
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Nonfiction