Todd goes for the goal
Stuart Murray
Todd goes for the goal
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Stuart Murray
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Todd is the most determined soccer player you'll ever meet. He doesn't just chase the ball—he chases every challenge, even when bullies try to get in his way. What happens when the game becomes more than just a sport? That's when everything changes.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This easy-to-read, fast-paced story follows Todd, a middle school soccer player who confronts bullying while pursuing his passion for the game. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers positive messages about resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving in a school setting. The book includes mild themes of bullying but resolves them in a constructive way.
Why we rated Todd goes for the goal 9LE
Todd goes for the goal is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 104 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Todd goes for the goal works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Todd goes for the goal as 9LE ("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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying.
Thematically, Todd goes for the goal explores schools, bullying, sports, friendship, and coming of age — 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 schools, bullying, sports.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
- 9780766038875
- Pages
- 104
- Publisher
- Enslow Publishing, LLC
- Published
- 2012
- Type
- Fiction