Take away
Brandon Terrell
Take away
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Brandon Terrell
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
The sharp whistle of the referee cuts through the humid air as cleats pound the field. Orlando's heart races faster than ever, but a storm brews inside him—anger that won't quit. When he makes a choice that changes everything, the echoes of friendship and loyalty ripple far beyond the game.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal choices within a school and sports setting. It follows Orlando, a talented football player, as he navigates conflicts with his coach and teammates, leading to a surprising decision that affects his closest friend. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the story addresses emotions like anger and betrayal in an accessible way without intense content.
Why we rated Take away 9LE
Take away is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 101 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Take away works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Take away 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, Take away explores friendship, sports, loyalty, school stories, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, sports, loyalty.
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
- 9781467721301
- Pages
- 101
- Publisher
- Lerner Publishing Group
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction