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Tim Duncan

Kevin Kernan

Cover of Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Slam Duncan

by Kevin Kernan

Reading Level 3 8C Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

What does it take to become a basketball superstar? Imagine stepping onto the court as a rookie and shining so brightly that you're named MVP by your second season. Tim Duncan's journey is full of hard work and unforgettable moments, but how did he really make it to the top?

Themes

Biography & AutobiographySports & RecreationPeople of ColorUnited States

Quick Assessment

This biography introduces young readers to Tim Duncan, a celebrated basketball player known for his impressive achievements with the San Antonio Spurs. Aimed at middle-grade readers, the book highlights Duncan's rise to fame and dedication to sportsmanship, making it an inspiring read for aspiring athletes. The content is appropriate for ages 9-12 and contains no sensitive material.

Why we rated Tim Duncan 8C

Tim Duncan is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tim Duncan works for readers up to grade 5.0.

We rate Tim Duncan as 8C ("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, Tim Duncan explores biography & autobiography, sports & recreation, people of color, and united states — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ 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, sports & recreation, people of color.
  • 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

8C — Clear
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

96 pages
ISBN
9781582611792
Pages
96
Publisher
Sports Publishing LLC
Published
March 2000
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

United StatesBiography & AutobiographyPeople of ColorSports & RecreationBasketballCultural HeritageDuncan, TimChronological Period/20th CenturyEthnic Orientation/African-AmericanBasketball Players