Breaking Barriers
Michael Burgan
Breaking Barriers
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of Jackie Robinson
by Michael Burgan
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Jackie Robinson didn’t just play baseball—he changed the game forever by breaking the color barrier. Discover how his courage and determination opened doors for countless others, proving that one person can make a huge difference.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This nonfiction narrative vividly presents the story of Jackie Robinson and others who challenged racial segregation in baseball. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the book offers historical insights into civil rights and sportsmanship without graphic content, promoting understanding of perseverance and social change.
Why we rated Breaking Barriers 9MS
Breaking Barriers is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 113 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Breaking Barriers works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Breaking Barriers as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Breaking Barriers explores biography, historical, sports, social justice, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, historical, sports.
- ✓ 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
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781515779674
- Pages
- 113
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Nonfiction