Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Simone Biles
Anthony K. Hewson
Simone Biles
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anthony K. Hewson
Olympic Stars; SportsZone (ABDO)
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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Discover the inspiring journey of Simone Biles as she overcomes challenges to become a gymnastics legend. This story delves into her determination, key career moments, and the strength it takes to shine on the world stage. Packed with interesting facts, timelines, and a helpful glossary, it brings her remarkable story to life for young readers.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include child abuse, sexual assault, needles/syringes. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Simone Biles 10IN
Simone Biles is written at a Level 5 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 1,488 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simone Biles works for readers up to grade 7.0.
Read aloud, Simone Biles takes about 10 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Simone Biles as 10IN ("Intense — Neutral") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Needles/Syringes.
Thematically, Simone Biles explores sports, biography, gymnastics, olympics, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about sports, biography, gymnastics.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Olympic Stars; SportsZone (ABDO) series.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10IN — Intense — NeutralHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Olympic Stars; SportsZone (ABDO) Series
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781532197390
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- SportsZone
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 1,488
- Read-Aloud
- ~10 min
- Text Density
- Picture-Heavy