Champion
Craig Johnson
Champion
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Craig Johnson
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Connor couldn’t talk or act like other kids, but his family saw something amazing inside him—a champion waiting to shine. When he finally found his voice, it wasn’t just words he spoke, but hope that could change the world. This story shows why believing in yourself can make all the difference.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Champion is a middle-grade fictionalized Christian biography about a family’s journey raising their autistic son, Connor. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of faith, hope, and perseverance through a positive lens, highlighting how the Johnson family used scripture and love to navigate challenges. Parents should note the story handles autism with warmth and transparency, offering an inspirational message without graphic content.
Why we rated Champion 11ME
Champion is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Champion works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Champion as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") 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 emotional weight — 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, Champion explores autism, christian biography, family, faith, and hope — 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 autism, christian biography, family.
- ✓ 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
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780785218401
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Nelson Incorporated, Thomas
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Nonfiction