Retarded kids need to play
Cyntha C. Hirst
Retarded kids need to play
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a manual for parents and other teachers : includes ideas and programs for involving retarded children in physical activities
by Cyntha C. Hirst
The text is written at a 6th 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
The soft thud of a bouncing ball fills the air, mixed with laughter and the rustle of leaves underfoot. Here, every child learns to move, to play, and to shine in their own unique way. Feel the joy and the challenge as friendships grow stronger with every game, but the journey is just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book focuses on physical education tailored for children with mental disabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusive play and development. It offers a sensitive and encouraging portrayal suitable for ages 9-12, fostering empathy and understanding around diverse learning needs. Parents should note the positive themes of teamwork and personal growth without intense conflict or distressing content.
Why we rated Retarded kids need to play 11LE
Retarded kids need to play is written at a Level 6 reading level across 288 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Retarded kids need to play works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Retarded kids need to play as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Retarded kids need to play explores physical education, disability representation, friendship, and inclusion — 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 physical education, disability representation, friendship.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
11LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 088011097X
- Pages
- 288
- Publisher
- Leisure Press
- Published
- 1983
- Type
- Nonfiction