Value of Courage
Spencer Johnson
Value of Courage
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of Jackie Robinson
by Spencer Johnson
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Did you know there was a player who changed baseball forever by being the very first Black athlete to play professionally? His courage wasn't just about baseball; it was about standing tall when no one else would. But that's only the beginning of his amazing story.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This biography introduces young readers to the inspiring story of the first Black professional baseball player, highlighting themes of courage and perseverance. It is appropriate for early readers ages 5 to 8 and uses accessible language suited for a third-grade reading level. Parents should know it sensitively addresses historical challenges related to race and bravery.
Why we rated Value of Courage 8LS
Value of Courage is written at a Level 3 reading level across 64 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Value of Courage works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Value of Courage as 8LS ("Light — Social") 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: Emotional: Courage, Social: Racial Discrimination.
Thematically, Value of Courage explores courage, historical, sports, and multicultural — 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 courage, historical, sports.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LS — Light — SocialLight 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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Based on content and theme analysis
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780686981640
- Pages
- 64
- Publisher
- Oak Tree Publications
- Published
- June 1979
- Type
- Fiction