Jackie Robinson
Matt Christopher
Jackie Robinson
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Legends in Sports
by Matt Christopher
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crack of the bat echoes through the stadium as thousands hold their breath. The smell of fresh-cut grass mixes with the roar of the crowd, and a young Jackie Robinson steps up to the plate, ready to change history with every swing. His courage and determination fill the air, inspiring hope beyond the baseball field.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography explores the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, highlighting his groundbreaking achievements and the challenges he faced. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, the book provides an accessible introduction to an important figure in American history and sports. Parents should note the focus on themes of racial integration and perseverance.
Why we rated Jackie Robinson 9MS
Jackie Robinson is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Jackie Robinson works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Jackie Robinson as 9MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Jackie Robinson explores biography, sports & recreation, african-american history, perseverance, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, sports & recreation, african-american history.
- ✓ 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
9MS — Moderate — SocialLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316017497
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Hachette+ORM
- Published
- April 1, 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction