Terrell Davis
Mark Stewart
Terrell Davis
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Toughing It Out
by Mark Stewart
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
What does it take to become a football superstar? Imagine running faster than anyone else, dodging defenders, and scoring touchdowns that make fans roar. Terrell Davis is doing just that, but can he keep rising to the top in the toughest league?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This illustrated biography introduces young readers to Terrell Davis, a dynamic running back for the Denver Broncos known for his impressive skills and determination. Suitable for ages 9-12, it highlights his athletic achievements and cultural heritage while inspiring perseverance and dedication. The book contains no intense content, making it appropriate for middle-grade readers interested in sports and biographies.
Why we rated Terrell Davis 9C
Terrell Davis 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, Terrell Davis works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Terrell Davis 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, Terrell Davis explores biography & autobiography - cultural heritage, biography & autobiography - people of color, biography & autobiography - sports & recreation, and sports & recreation - football — 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 biography & autobiography - cultural heritage, biography & autobiography - people of color, biography & autobiography - sports & recreation.
- ✓ 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
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
- 9780613272070
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Published
- March 2001
- Type
- Nonfiction