Gretzky's game
Mike Leonetti
Gretzky's game
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mike Leonetti
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 a hockey champion? Ryan is small and sometimes gets pushed around on the ice, but his hero, Wayne Gretzky, shows him how skill and determination can change the game. Can Ryan find his own way to victory just like Gretzky?
Quick Assessment
This early reader book tells the story of Ryan, a young hockey fan inspired by Wayne Gretzky's journey to his first Stanley Cup win. It highlights themes of perseverance, hard work, and overcoming challenges, making it suitable for children ages 5-8 who are beginning to read independently. The story features positive sportsmanship and encourages self-confidence without any concerning content.
Why we rated Gretzky's game 7LE
Gretzky's game is written at a Level 2 reading level across 31 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gretzky's game works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Gretzky's game as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Gretzky's game explores sports, friendship, coming of age, family, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about sports, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781443107297
- Pages
- 31
- Publisher
- Scholastic Canada
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction