Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee
Barbara J. Marvis
Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Taking My Best Shot
by Barbara J. Marvis
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Tommy Nuñez is the only Latino referee in the entire NBA, making him a true trailblazer on the basketball court. His story shows how one person’s passion and fairness can change the game forever—and inspire others to follow their dreams.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography introduces young readers to Tommy Nuñez, the NBA’s only Latino referee, highlighting his journey and achievements in professional basketball. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it offers an inspiring look at diversity and perseverance in sports without any content concerns.
Why we rated Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee 8C
Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee is written at a Level 3 reading level across 80 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee 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, Tommy Nuñez, NBA referee explores biography, sports, multicultural, and role models — 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, multicultural.
- ✓ 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 — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Sports great Tim Duncan
John Albert Torres
Sports great Tim Duncan
John Albert Torres
Sports great Bobby Bonilla
Ron Knapp
Sports great Bobby Bonilla
Ron Knapp
Tim Duncan
Kevin Kernan
Tim Duncan
Kevin Kernan
Latino Legends
Michael Silverstone
Latino Legends
Michael Silverstone
Tommy stands tall
Gloria Velásquez
Tommy stands tall
Gloria Velásquez
Nba
Fred Kerber
Nba
Fred Kerber
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 1883845289
- Pages
- 80
- Publisher
- Mitchell Lane Publishers
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Nonfiction