Fast break

Mike Lupica

Cover of Fast break

Fast break

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Mike Lupica

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

After losing his mother, twelve-year-old Jayson pours his heart into basketball while navigating life in a new foster home with a family very different from his own. As he adjusts to unexpected changes and challenges, Jayson must confront his feelings and face off against his old teammates in an important championship game. This story explores resilience, friendship, and the power of embracing new beginnings.

Themes

BasketballFoster CareRace RelationsComing of AgeFamilySports

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include divorce & family change, racial discrimination, mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Divorce & Family Change Racial Discrimination Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

6/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
5
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

261 pages
59,685 words
6h 38m read-aloud
ISBN
9780399256066
Pages
261
Publisher
Viking Books for Young Readers
Published
2015
Type
Fiction
Word Count
59,685
Read-Aloud
~6h 38m
Text Density
Standard

Genres

Subjects

Race RelationsBasketballFoster Home CareOrphansSports & RecreationHomeless PersonsFamilyAdoption