Richard and the Magic Football
Susan Landesberg
Richard and the Magic Football
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Susan Landesberg
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The sharp crack of thunder shakes the windows as rain pelts the roof. Richard’s fingers brush over the smooth, worn surface of an old wooden box hidden in a secret room. Inside, a mysterious football glows softly, ready to take him on a brave adventure he never expected.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader follows Richard, a young boy adjusting to a new home after his parents' separation. During a stormy evening alone, he discovers a magical football that leads him on a journey emphasizing bravery, friendship, and self-confidence. Suitable for ages 5-8, the story gently explores themes of change and resilience in a fantasy-adventure setting.
Why we rated Richard and the Magic Football 7C
Richard and the Magic Football is written at a Level 2 reading level across 44 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Richard and the Magic Football works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Richard and the Magic Football as 7C ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Divorce & Family Change.
Thematically, Richard and the Magic Football explores friendship, self-esteem, adventure, fantasy, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, self-esteem, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Content Flags
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781466359758
- Pages
- 44
- Publisher
- CreateSpace
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction