Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
NHL
B. Keith Davidson
Crabtree Branches; Major League Sports (Crabtree)
The text is written at a 5th 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 the National Hockey League through captivating stories about its greatest players, legendary teams, and key roles on the ice. Perfect for young sports fans eager to learn about hockey's thrilling moments and rich history.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated NHL C (Gentle)
NHL is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 1,112 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage NHL on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
Read aloud, NHL takes about 7 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate NHL 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, NHL weaves together sports and recreation.
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 sports, recreation.
- ✓ 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.
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
- 9781427155221
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Major League Sports
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 1,112
- Read-Aloud
- ~7 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy