Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
MLB
B. Keith Davidson
Crabtree Branches; Major League Sports (Crabtree)
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. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.
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About This Book
Explore the exciting world of Major League Baseball, where legendary players and unforgettable teams make history. Dive into amazing facts about the game’s biggest stars, key positions, and thrilling moments on the field. Perfect for young fans eager to learn about America’s favorite pastime!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4-5 book with gentle content intensity. Content themes include illness & injury. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated MLB C (Gentle)
MLB is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 974 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage MLB on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
Read aloud, MLB takes about 6 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate MLB as C (Gentle) 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Illness & Injury.
Thematically, MLB weaves together recreation and sports.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about recreation, sports.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Crabtree Branches; Major League Sports (Crabtree) series.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
C · GentleReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Content Flags
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
8/10High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Crabtree Branches; Major League Sports (Crabtree) Series
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781427155184
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Major League Sports
- Published
- 2022
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 974
- Read-Aloud
- ~6 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy