I want to be a tennis player
Eugene H. Baker
I want to be a tennis player
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eugene H. Baker
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
Tennis isn't just a game—it's a superpower that two kids discover as they swing, run, and score their way through a tournament. Watch how practice and teamwork turn beginners into champions, showing that anyone can shine on the court. This story proves that believing in yourself is the first step to greatness.
Quick Assessment
This early reader book introduces children ages 5-8 to the sport of tennis through the story of two kids learning and competing in a tournament. It emphasizes themes of perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a simple, accessible way suitable for young readers. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for early elementary students.
Why we rated I want to be a tennis player 7C
I want to be a tennis player 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, I want to be a tennis player works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate I want to be a tennis player 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, I want to be a tennis player explores sports, friendship, 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 sports, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0516017462
- Pages
- 31
- Publisher
- Children's Press(CT)
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction