Wicked World Cup (Foul Football)
Michael Coleman
Wicked World Cup (Foul Football)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Coleman
Illustrated by Harry Venning
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever wondered what makes the World Cup the most exciting soccer event on Earth? Imagine diving into the thrilling stories of the best players and teams from around the globe, each with their own secrets and skills. But who will rise to the top and claim victory this time?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Wicked World Cup offers an engaging introduction to the World Cup soccer tournament, highlighting top players and teams from around the world. Suitable for middle-grade readers, this book combines sports facts with lively commentary to captivate young soccer fans. It contains no material of concern and is appropriate for ages 9-12.
Why we rated Wicked World Cup (Foul Football) 9C
Wicked World Cup (Foul Football) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Wicked World Cup (Foul Football) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Wicked World Cup (Foul Football) as 9C ("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, Wicked World Cup (Foul Football) weaves together sports & recreation and soccer.
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 sports & recreation, soccer.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The World Cup
Michael E. Goodman
The World Cup
Michael E. Goodman
World Cup
Justin Petersen
World Cup
Justin Petersen
World Cup Fever
Michael Hurley
World Cup Fever
Michael Hurley
FIFA World Cup
Adam Hellebuyck
FIFA World Cup
Adam Hellebuyck
World Cup 2010
Michael Hurley
World Cup 2010
Michael Hurley
World Cup
Andy Croft
World Cup
Andy Croft
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780439949996
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- April 24, 2006
- Type
- Fiction