Athletes
by Leslie Strudwick
Crabtree Pub. Co 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
- goal-setting
- teamwork
- discipline and practice
- health and fitness
- role models
- sportsmanship
- careers in sports
About this book
This nonfiction title introduces what athletes do, the wide range of sports they play, and the training, nutrition, and practice that help them succeed. Clear text, photos, and fact boxes explain skills, equipment, and the realities of pursuing sports at different levels. It’s a solid pick for readers curious about sports careers or looking for inspiration to set goals and stay active. Best for upper–elementary and middle–grade students who enjoy real-world, high-energy topics.
Setting: various sports arenas and training facilities in the modern day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athletes right for my child?
Yes — Athletes is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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, goal-setting, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Athletes?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Athletes takes around 25m to finish. The book has 4,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Athletes have an AR quiz?
Yes — Athletes 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 Athletes?
Athletes has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.