Cheerleading really is a sport
Julie Gassman
Cheerleading really is a sport
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Julie Gassman
The text is written at a 1st 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
Cheerleading isn’t just waving pom-poms—it’s a real sport full of teamwork, skill, and energy! Alicia knows this better than anyone because she’s ready to prove it to her brother and his friends. What will it take to change their minds for good?
Quick Assessment
This early reader book celebrates cheerleading as a legitimate sport, encouraging young children to appreciate the athleticism and teamwork involved. Suitable for ages 5-8, it addresses themes of family and standing up for what you believe in, with accessible language and positive messages. There is no notable content concern, making it a great choice for encouraging confidence and respect for different activities.
Why we rated Cheerleading really is a sport 6C
Cheerleading really is a sport is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 57 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cheerleading really is a sport works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Cheerleading really is a sport as 6C ("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, Cheerleading really is a sport explores family, sports, juvenile fiction, and readers — 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 family, sports, juvenile fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — 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
- 9781434221308
- Pages
- 57
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction