Jackie's nine
Robinson, Sharon
Jackie's nine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Jackie Robinson's values to live by : courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, persistence [sic], commitment, excellence
by Robinson, Sharon
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
What does it take to break barriers and change the game forever? Imagine stepping onto the baseball field as the first African American player in the major leagues, carrying the hopes of many on your shoulders. The lessons that fueled this journey are more than just about baseball—they're about courage, respect, and never giving up.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book introduces readers to the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, highlighting nine core values that helped him overcome obstacles and succeed both on and off the baseball field. Written by Robinson's daughter, it blends biography with inspiring quotes from notable figures to teach lessons about perseverance, respect, and social justice. Suitable for ages 9-12, it provides a positive role model and encourages thoughtful discussion about history and character development.
Why we rated Jackie's nine 9LE
Jackie's nine is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 181 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Jackie's nine works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Jackie's nine as 9LE ("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, Jackie's nine explores biography, african american history, family, social justice, and sports — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about biography, african american history, family.
- ✓ 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
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0439385504
- Pages
- 181
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Nonfiction