David Robinson
Steve Hubbard
David Robinson
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Steve Hubbard
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
David Robinson isn’t just a basketball legend—he’s a man whose faith and determination shaped every slam dunk and victory. From his days at the Naval Academy to standing tall on the 1988 Olympic team, his story shows how believing in yourself can change the game. Discover why his journey matters way beyond the court.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography explores the life of basketball star David Robinson, highlighting his Christian upbringing and his achievements from the Naval Academy to the 1988 Olympic Games and the San Antonio Spurs. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers an inspiring look at personal values, sportsmanship, and perseverance. The book contains no content concerns and provides a positive role model for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated David Robinson 9C
David Robinson is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 109 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, David Robinson works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate David Robinson as 9C ("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, David Robinson explores biography, sports, religious themes, coming of age, and family — 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 biography, sports, religious themes.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Sports great David Robinson
Nathan Aaseng
Sports great David Robinson
Nathan Aaseng
David Robinson
Tom Owens
David Robinson
Tom Owens
David Robinson
Tom Owens
David Robinson
Tom Owens
David Robinson
Bill Gutman
David Robinson
Bill Gutman
David Robinson (Today's Heroes)
Gregg Lewis
David Robinson (Today's Heroes)
Gregg Lewis
Michael Jordan
Rob Kirkpatrick
Michael Jordan
Rob Kirkpatrick
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0310209064
- Pages
- 109
- Publisher
- Zondervan Publishing Company
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Nonfiction