The Kickball Game
Joseph P. Anderson
The Kickball Game
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joseph P. Anderson
Illustrated by Justin Greathouse
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
Have you ever wondered how a simple game can turn strangers into friends? Danny and Jenny meet during a lively kickball game in gym class, where a little mistake could change everything. But Jenny has a secret move that might just win Danny's friendship—what could it be?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows Danny and Jenny as they connect during a kickball game at school. It highlights themes of friendship, kindness, and teamwork appropriate for children ages 5 to 8. The simple language and positive message make it a great choice for beginning readers.
Why we rated The Kickball Game 7C
The Kickball Game is written at a Level 2 reading level across 24 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Kickball Game works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The Kickball Game 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, The Kickball Game explores friendship, sports, and beginner readers — 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, sports, beginner readers.
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.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781404824133
- Pages
- 24
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- January 30, 2007
- Type
- Fiction