Not cricket
Raewyn Caisley
Not cricket
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Raewyn Caisley
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
What if the game you love suddenly felt unfair? Nick dreams of being the best wicket-keeper, but his new cricket team plays by their own rules—rules that don’t feel right. Can Nick stand up for what’s fair, or will he have to walk away?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of sportsmanship and ethical challenges in youth sports. Nick, a passionate young cricketer, faces conflicts when his new team prioritizes winning over fair play, prompting discussions about integrity and personal values. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story thoughtfully addresses peer pressure and moral choices without intense content.
Why we rated Not cricket 9LE
Not cricket is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 144 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Not cricket works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Not cricket 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, Not cricket explores sportsmanship, friendship, coming of age, sports, and moral complexity — 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 sportsmanship, friendship, coming of age.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780734407924
- Pages
- 144
- Publisher
- Lothian Children's Books
- Published
- 2005
- Type
- Fiction