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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if nine special values could change the world? Imagine stepping into the shoes of a baseball hero who broke barriers and inspired millions. Discover the secrets that helped Jackie Robinson overcome challenges, but can you live by them too?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade biography introduces readers to Jackie Robinson through nine core values that shaped his path as a baseball pioneer and civil rights leader. Written by his daughter, the book includes inspiring quotes from notable figures, providing positive role models for children ages 9 to 12. The content is appropriate and encourages lessons about perseverance, courage, and integrity.
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 "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, Jackie's nine explores biography, african american history, sports, family, and social justice — 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, african american history, sports.
- ✓ 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
9LE — 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
2/10A 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
- 9780439385503
- Pages
- 181
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Nonfiction