The Speed King
David Lipman
The Speed King
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Bob Hayes of the Dallas Cowboys
by David Lipman
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
Nobody thought anyone could run faster than a car—until the Speed King shattered that idea with his lightning-fast feet. He broke records on the track and stunned fans on the football field, proving that speed isn’t just about running, it’s about heart and determination. Discover why his race against time still inspires champions today.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography introduces young readers to the groundbreaking athlete known as the Speed King, who was the first to run 100 yards in 9.1 seconds. Suitable for ages 9-12, it highlights themes of perseverance and athletic achievement without intense content. The book provides an inspiring look at sports history that encourages motivation and goal-setting.
Why we rated The Speed King 9C
The Speed King is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 196 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Speed King works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Speed King 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, The Speed King explores biography, sports, inspiration, and historical — 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, sports, inspiration.
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
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
- 9780399605970
- Pages
- 196
- Publisher
- X-S Books
- Published
- January 1994
- Type
- Fiction