Andres Galarraga
by Sue Boulais
Mitchell Lane 1998
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- hard work
- sportsmanship
- immigrant experience
- role models
- dreams and goals
- teamwork
About this book
This short biography introduces baseball star Andrés “The Big Cat” Galarraga, from his childhood in Venezuela to his rise in the major leagues. Readers learn about his power hitting, work ethic, and leadership on teams like the Expos, Rockies, and Braves. Clear text and photos make it accessible for sports fans in upper elementary and middle school. Kids enjoy the exciting highlights and the inspiring story of an international player making it big in the MLB.
Setting: professional baseball in Venezuela and the United States, 1980s–1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andres Galarraga right for my child?
Yes — Andres Galarraga is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include perseverance, hard work, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Andres Galarraga?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Andres Galarraga takes around 12m to finish. The book has 2,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Andres Galarraga have an AR quiz?
Yes — Andres Galarraga has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Andres Galarraga?
Andres Galarraga has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.