The value of courage
Spencer Johnson
The value of courage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of Jackie Robinson
by Spencer Johnson
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The crack of the baseball echoes through the warm summer air, and the crowd holds its breath. Imagine stepping onto the field where no one who looks like you has ever played before. Feeling both nervous and brave, you take your place — but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader biography introduces young children to Jackie Robinson, the first African American professional baseball player, highlighting his courage and determination. Suitable for ages 5-8, it offers an accessible look at an important historical figure while gently addressing themes of bravery and breaking barriers. The content is appropriate for early readers with no intense or distressing material.
Why we rated The value of courage 8LE
The value of courage is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The value of courage works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The value of courage as 8LE ("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, The value of courage explores biography, sports, african american history, courage, and coming of age — 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 biography, sports, african american history.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0916392120
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Value Communications
- Published
- 1977
- Type
- Nonfiction