Try time
Patrick Loughlin
Try time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Patrick Loughlin
Illustrated by Ziersch, Nahum, illustrator
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
The roar of the crowd buzzes in Josh's ears as the grass tickles his fingertips. Every time he races down the sideline, his heart pounds like a drum and giant butterflies flutter wildly in his stomach. Can Josh find the courage to hold onto the ball and score, even when his grandad's loud cheers feel like thunder?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Josh, a young rugby player struggling with nerves that affect his game. With encouragement from his footy-loving grandfather and a visit from rugby star Billy Slater, Josh learns about self-confidence and perseverance. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story offers positive messages about overcoming anxiety and the value of mentorship.
Why we rated Try time 9LE
Try time is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 126 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Try time works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Try time 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Try time explores family, sports, self-confidence, and mentorship — 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 family, sports, self-confidence.
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.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780857982469
- Pages
- 126
- Publisher
- Random House Australia
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction