Hang Time
Bob Greene
Hang Time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Days and Dreams with Michael Jordan
by Bob Greene
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What does it take to become a basketball legend? Step into the world of a star player juggling the roar of the crowd, the pressure of the game, and the ups and downs of life off the court. Will fame bring him happiness or challenges he never expected?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel explores the life of a Chicago Bulls basketball star over two seasons, blending sports action with insights into his personal and family relationships. Suitable for teens ages 13 to 18, it presents themes of fame, friendship, and the challenges of growing up under public scrutiny. Parents should note that the story candidly addresses the complexities of adolescence and celebrity life.
Why we rated Hang Time 11LE
Hang Time is written at a Level 6-7 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hang Time works for readers up to grade 8.5.
We rate Hang Time as 11LE ("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, Hang Time explores sports & recreation, biography, friendship, family, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 & recreation, biography, friendship.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Hang time
Hank Herman
Hang time
Hank Herman
Michael Jordan
Mike McGovern
Michael Jordan
Mike McGovern
Michael Jordan
Michael Boughn
Michael Jordan
Michael Boughn
Michael Jordan
Tom Owens
Michael Jordan
Tom Owens
Michael Jordan
Thomas R. Raber
Michael Jordan
Thomas R. Raber
Michael Jordan
Philip Brooks
Michael Jordan
Philip Brooks
Details
- ISBN
- 9780785728412
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Nonfiction