De-fense
Doug Marx
De-fense
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Doug Marx
The text is written at a 2nd 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
The roar of the crowd fills the air as cleats pound the turf and the whistle blows. Feel the rush of the game as defenders leap, tackle, and protect their team with courage and skill. Discover what it takes to be a football hero on defense and why every play matters.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to the defensive side of football, explaining positions like linebacker and cornerback through simple language and engaging examples. It highlights notable defensive players in the sport’s history, making it suitable for ages 5-8 who are beginning to explore sports concepts. The book contains no content concerns and focuses on teamwork and sportsmanship.
Why we rated De-fense 7C
De-fense is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, De-fense works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate De-fense as 7C ("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, De-fense explores sports, football, biography, and teamwork — 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 sports, football, biography.
- ✓ 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
7C — 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
- 0865931526
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Rourke Corp.
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Nonfiction