Norman Schnurman, average person
Jean Davies Okimoto
Norman Schnurman, average person
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jean Davies Okimoto
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp whistle of the football practice cuts through the chilly air as Norman watches from the sidelines, feeling the rough grass beneath his sneakers. He wishes he could hear his dad’s voice cheering for him, just like the crowd cheered for his dad back in college. But maybe there’s a different way to make his dad proud, one that’s just his own.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction story explores a sixth grader's struggle with self-identity as he tries to find his own strengths apart from his father's legacy as a college football star. It thoughtfully addresses themes of family expectations and the father-son relationship, suitable for ages 9 to 12. There is no intense content, making it a gentle read about personal growth and acceptance.
Why we rated Norman Schnurman, average person 9LE
Norman Schnurman, average person is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 125 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Norman Schnurman, average person works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Norman Schnurman, average person as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Norman Schnurman, average person explores family, coming of age, and sports — 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 family, coming of age, sports.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" 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
- 0399209131
- Pages
- 125
- Publisher
- Putnam Publishing Group
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction