Fake Out
Rich Wallace
Fake Out
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Rich Wallace
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp thud of a soccer ball echoes across the field, mixing with the fresh scent of cut grass and the chatter of teammates. Ben practices his new move, the fake-out, over and over, but every time he tries it during the game, something goes wrong. Will he find a way to help the Bobcats win, or will the pressure knock him off his feet?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Fake Out is a middle-grade novel about Ben and his fourth-grade coed soccer team, the Bobcats, as they navigate the challenges of teamwork and competition. The story focuses on perseverance, sportsmanship, and self-confidence, making it suitable for children aged 9 to 12. It features mild sports-related tension but no intense conflict or mature content.
Why we rated Fake Out 9LP
Fake Out is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 130 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Fake Out works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Fake Out as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Fake Out explores sports & recreation, soccer, friendship, perseverance, and teamwork — 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 sports & recreation, soccer, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780375850936
- Pages
- 130
- Publisher
- Yearling
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction