Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library))
Kathy Burkett
Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library))
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kathy Burkett
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if your science teacher turned soccer coach and used crazy experiments to help the team win? Imagine new gadgets and wild strategies on the field, but what happens when a sneaky rival tries to outsmart them with even stranger science? The game just got a whole lot more than a match—it's a battle of brains and tricks!
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction blends science and sports as a teacher applies scientific methods to coaching a soccer team, facing off against a rival with unorthodox strategies. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story encourages interest in science and teamwork without intense content. Parents can expect light conflict centered on friendly competition and inventive problem-solving.
Why we rated Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library)) 9C
Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library)) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library)) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library)) as 9C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Foul Play! (Mad Science (Library)) explores science & nature, sports, friendship, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, sports, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- ISBN
- 9780613721950
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- November 2003
- Type
- Fiction