Greg Maddux

Ted Cox

Greg Maddux

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Pitching Ace

by Ted Cox

Reading Level 2 7C Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

What does it take to become one of baseball's greatest pitchers? Imagine stepping onto the mound with the crowd holding its breath, watching every throw. Could you handle the pressure and the dreams that come with it?

Themes

BiographySports & RecreationBaseballComing of Age

Quick Assessment

This biography introduces early readers to the life and accomplishments of Greg Maddux, a celebrated baseball pitcher and three-time Cy Young Award winner. Written at a grade 2.0 reading level, it provides an accessible and inspiring look at sportsmanship and dedication suitable for children ages 5-8. The book focuses on positive themes of perseverance and achievement without intense content.

Why we rated Greg Maddux 7C

Greg Maddux is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Greg Maddux works for readers up to grade 4.0.

We rate Greg Maddux as 7C ("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, Greg Maddux explores biography, sports & recreation, baseball, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, sports & recreation, baseball.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

7C — Clear

Emotional

Clear

Physical

Clear

Social

Clear

Thematic

Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level

Emotional Weight

Theme Richness

World Scope

Data Confidence

Jane bingham

Level 8

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Details

Book Length

48 pages

ISBN: 9780516443898
Pages: 48
Publisher: Children's Press
Published: September 1995
Type: Nonfiction

Genres

Juvenile Nonfiction

Subjects

Biography & AutobiographySports & RecreationBaseballAutobiographyBaseball PlayersPitchersUnited StatesBiography/Autobiography

People

Greg Maddux (1966-)

Places

United States