Undercover Tailback (Matt Christopher Sports Classics)

Matt Christopher

Cover of Undercover Tailback (Matt Christopher Sports Classics)

Undercover Tailback (Matt Christopher Sports Classics)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Matt Christopher

Illustrated by Paul Casale

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Parker Nolan is the most unbelievable liar on the team—but this time, his story might just be true. When a mysterious stranger sneaks around stealing the coach’s secret playbook, Parker has to prove what he saw before the team loses everything. Can the guy who can’t tell the truth save the game? That’s what makes this story unforgettable.

Themes

Sports & Recreation - FootballFriendshipHonesty & TrustTeamwork

Quick Assessment

Undercover Tailback follows Parker Nolan, a middle school football player known for bending the truth, as he tries to expose a thief stealing the coach's plays. The book explores themes of honesty, trust, and teamwork, making it suitable for readers ages 9 to 12 who enjoy sports fiction. Parents should note there is light social conflict but no graphic content.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril Social Conflict
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" 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
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

152 pages
ISBN
9780316142540
Pages
152
Publisher
Little Brown
Published
September 1994
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Social SituationsSports & RecreationFootballHonestyFootball StoriesHonesty in Fiction