Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book)
Leonard Kessler
Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Leonard Kessler
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if animals could play football just like kids? Imagine a team of furry friends kicking, passing, and running across the field, trying to win the big game. But can they work together well enough to score the winning touchdown?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early-reader fiction book introduces young children to the basics of football through an imaginative story where animals form their own teams and play a game. Suitable for ages 5-8 and grade 3 reading level, it encourages teamwork and sportsmanship in a lighthearted, accessible way. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for early readers interested in sports and animals.
Why we rated Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book) 8C
Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book) as 8C ("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, Kick, Pass, and Run (Sports I Can Read Book) explores animals, sports, friendship, teamwork, and beginner readers — 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 animals, sports, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Football
Agnieszka Biskup
Football
Agnieszka Biskup
Football
Karen Durrie
Football
Karen Durrie
Football
Cathleen Small
Football
Cathleen Small
Soccer Kicks!
Elisabeth Jacobs
Soccer Kicks!
Elisabeth Jacobs
Kick It!
Matt Christopher
Kick It!
Matt Christopher
Big kicks
Bob Kolar
Big kicks
Bob Kolar
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780808526537
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 1999
- Type
- Fiction