Football fugitive.
Matt Christopher
Football fugitive.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Matt Christopher
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 whistle blows, echoing across the sun-baked field as the football thuds against the rough leather glove. Dust swirls around the players' cleats, hearts pounding with the thrill of the game. But beneath the roar of the crowd, one player faces a challenge that could change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Football Fugitive by Matt Christopher is an engaging sports novel suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12. The story combines fast-paced football action with themes of emotions and social challenges, making it a relatable and exciting read for young sports enthusiasts. Parents should note the book's focus on teamwork, personal growth, and the emotional experiences of young athletes.
Why we rated Football fugitive. 9LE
Football fugitive. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 119 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Football fugitive. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Football fugitive. as 9LE ("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, Football fugitive. explores sports & recreation, football, emotions & feelings, social themes, and juvenile fiction — 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, football, emotions & feelings.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316140645
- Pages
- 119
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction