Making every pitch count
Ken Beardslee
Making every pitch count
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
an innovative approach to retiring hitters
by Ken Beardslee
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.
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About This Book
Pitching isn't just about throwing a ball—it's about making every single throw count! Imagine stepping up to the mound with the power to change the game and your whole team’s fate. This story shows how one pitcher’s focus and heart make all the difference.
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to the sport of baseball through the eyes of a dedicated pitcher. Suitable for ages 5-8, it highlights themes of perseverance and focus in a simple, accessible way. There is no content of concern, making it a wholesome choice for young sports enthusiasts.
Why we rated Making every pitch count 8C
Making every pitch count is written at a Level 3 reading level across 76 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Making every pitch count works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Making every pitch count 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, Making every pitch count explores sports, family, and coming of age — 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 sports, family, 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
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 141843180X
- Pages
- 76
- Publisher
- AuthorHouse
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Nonfiction