Mike Ditka (Super Bears)
Paul J. Deegan
Mike Ditka (Super Bears)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Paul J. Deegan
The text is written at a 2nd 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
The crowd roars as the Bears charge down the field, the ball flying through the air toward victory. Coach Ditka shouts instructions, his eyes fierce with determination. Suddenly, a surprise play unfolds—what will happen next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader introduces young children to the excitement of football through the story of Mike Ditka, the coach who led the Chicago Bears to win Super Bowl XX in 1986. It uses simple language suitable for Grade 2 reading levels and emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship. There is no content likely to be concerning for young readers.
Why we rated Mike Ditka (Super Bears) 7C
Mike Ditka (Super Bears) is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Mike Ditka (Super Bears) works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Mike Ditka (Super Bears) as 7C ("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, Mike Ditka (Super Bears) weaves together sports & recreation and football - general.
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 & recreation, football - general.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780939179015
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Abdo Publishing Company
- Published
- September 1986
- Type
- Fiction