Forward pass
Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Forward pass
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
The text is written at a 4th 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
The sharp whistle cuts through the chilly morning air as Parmita dives to save another goal. The grass beneath her hands feels rough and real, her heart pounding with dreams bigger than the soccer field. But when her new coach's attention turns from the game to her, everything feels suddenly uncertain and heavy.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Parmita, a talented young goalkeeper aiming for Canada's National Soccer Team while navigating complex feelings about her sexuality. The story sensitively explores themes of identity, ambition, and boundaries, including uncomfortable interactions with an adult coach. Recommended for ages 9-12, parents should be aware of themes related to LGBTQ+ identity and inappropriate adult behavior.
Why we rated Forward pass 9ME
Forward pass is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 139 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Forward pass works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Forward pass as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Harassment.
Thematically, Forward pass explores sports, coming of age, lgbtq+ representation, friendship, and family — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about sports, coming of age, lgbtq+ representation.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781459403734
- Pages
- 139
- Publisher
- Lorimer
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction