Developmental Coordination Disorder
Morven Ball
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Hints and Tips for the Activities of Daily Living
by Morven Ball
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Sam struggles to catch the ball as it zooms past him. His hands fumble, and his heart races—why is this so hard when everyone else seems to do it with ease? Just when he thinks he can’t try anymore, something unexpected happens.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This accessible book introduces young readers to Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), explaining its characteristics and challenges in clear, simple language. It offers practical advice and strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators to support children with DCD effectively. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it sensitively addresses psychomotor difficulties and related developmental issues without overwhelming detail.
Why we rated Developmental Coordination Disorder 8LE
Developmental Coordination Disorder is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Developmental Coordination Disorder works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Developmental Coordination Disorder as 8LE ("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, Developmental Coordination Disorder explores psychomotor disorders, developmentally disabled children, and disability representation — 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 psychomotor disorders, developmentally disabled children, disability representation.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Developmental coordination disorder
Sharon A. Cermak
Developmental coordination disorder
Sharon A. Cermak
Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
Cheryl, Ph.D. Missiuna
Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
Cheryl, Ph.D. Missiuna
Developmental dyspraxia
Madeleine M. Portwood
Developmental dyspraxia
Madeleine M. Portwood
Motor development and sport skills clinic
Duane Millslagle
Motor development and sport skills clinic
Duane Millslagle
Developmental dyslexia
Michael E. Thomson
Developmental dyslexia
Michael E. Thomson
Movement and action in learning and development
Ida Stockman
Movement and action in learning and development
Ida Stockman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781846421761
- Pages
- 96
- Publisher
- Jessica Kingsley Publishers
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction