David Robinson
Bill Gutman
David Robinson
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bill Gutman
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.
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About This Book
David Robinson isn't just any basketball player—he's 'The Admiral,' a leader who can control the game with his incredible skills and determination. From humble beginnings to NBA stardom, his story shows how hard work and heart can make you a true champion. Discover why his journey matters to fans and players everywhere.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography introduces middle-grade readers to the life and career of David Robinson, a celebrated basketball player known as 'The Admiral.' Suitable for ages 9-12, the book highlights his leadership, dedication, and achievements in sports without intense or sensitive content. It's an inspiring read that encourages perseverance and sportsmanship.
Why we rated David Robinson 9C
David Robinson is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 127 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, coming of age, family, and friendship — 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, coming of age.
- ✓ 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0816735700
- Pages
- 127
- Publisher
- Troll Communications
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Nonfiction