Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs)
Bill Gutman
Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bill Gutman
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.
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About This Book
What does it take to become a football legend? Imagine growing up with a dream, running faster and harder every day, and then shining on the biggest stage of all—the Super Bowl. But how did Emmitt Smith go from a kid with a ball to the MVP of 1994? The story is just getting started.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography traces the journey of Emmitt Smith, from his childhood passion for football to his rise as a star running back at the University of Florida and his crowning achievement as the 1994 Super Bowl MVP with the Dallas Cowboys. Suitable for middle-grade readers, the book offers an inspiring look at dedication and athletic success without intense content. It provides insights into sportsmanship and perseverance, making it appropriate for children ages 9-12.
Why we rated Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs) 9C
Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs) as 9C ("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, Morris, Johnson, Hill, Little (Great running backs) explores sports, biography, 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, biography, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780448057149
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Tempo Books
- Published
- 1974
- Type
- Fiction