Swimming in Action (Sports in Action)
John Crossingham
Swimming in Action (Sports in Action)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Crossingham
Illustrated by Bonna Rouse
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Swimming isn't just fun—it's a superpower you can learn! Mastering cool strokes and splashing through competitions can make you feel unstoppable. Knowing safety secrets makes every swim not just exciting but smart, too.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book introduces children ages 9-12 to the fundamentals of swimming, including basic strokes, skills, competition, and essential safety tips. It offers an engaging and educational look at water sports suitable for middle-grade readers, supporting both recreational and safety knowledge. There is no content of concern, making it appropriate for young swimmers.
Why we rated Swimming in Action (Sports in Action) 9C
Swimming in Action (Sports in Action) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Swimming in Action (Sports in Action) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Swimming in Action (Sports in Action) as 9C ("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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Swimming in Action (Sports in Action) explores sports & recreation, water sports, safety, and children's nonfiction — 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 sports & recreation, water sports, safety.
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
9C — ClearNo 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
- ISBN
- 9780606272759
- Publisher
- Turtleback Books
- Published
- October 2002
- Type
- Fiction