Chasing the baton
Rich Wallace
Chasing the baton
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rich Wallace
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
The sharp whistle of the starting gun cracks through the cool morning air, and Marcus feels the rough track under his sneakers as he pushes forward with all his might. Every step echoes his determination to prove himself, especially after Torry’s teasing about his slow times. But can Marcus find the strength to make the relay team and keep their friendship intact?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows seventh-grader Marcus as he faces challenges in track and field, particularly with the 400 meter race. It explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. The story includes light moments of teasing but ultimately focuses on positive growth and teamwork.
Why we rated Chasing the baton 9LE
Chasing the baton is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Chasing the baton works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Chasing the baton as 9LE ("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, Chasing the baton explores friendship, sports, coming of age, juvenile fiction, and perseverance — 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 friendship, sports, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781624021336
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Calico Chapter Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction