Kicking On
Dave Hannigan
Kicking On
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dave Hannigan
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp crack of the football echoes across the field, mingling with the fresh scent of grass and the roar of the crowd in your ears. Peter, Davey, and their teammates train hard, their hearts pounding with every kick and pass. But when a surprising new coach arrives, everything changes — and suddenly, taking a shot means more than just scoring points.
Quick Assessment
Kicking On tells the story of a youth Gaelic football team whose lives are transformed when a former American football player becomes their coach. The book explores themes of sportsmanship, courage, and community in a middle-grade setting appropriate for ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the story promotes positive values and includes mild sports-related tension without graphic content.
Why we rated Kicking On 9LE
Kicking On is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 169 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kicking On works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Kicking On 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, Kicking On explores sports, friendship, coming of age, and family — 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 sports, friendship, coming of age.
- ✓ 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Kick It!
Matt Christopher
Kick It!
Matt Christopher
Kicking a ball
Allan Ahlberg
Kicking a ball
Allan Ahlberg
Kick it, Mo!
David A. Adler
Kick it, Mo!
David A. Adler
Placekicking and punting
Paul J. Deegan
Placekicking and punting
Paul J. Deegan
Big Kick
Rob Childs
Big Kick
Rob Childs
Kickin' It
Meg Greve
Kickin' It
Meg Greve
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781847173843
- Pages
- 169
- Publisher
- The O'Brien Press
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Nonfiction