Athletic Shorts
by Chris Crutcher, Bryce Lee
Laurel-Leaf Books 1991
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- sportsmanship
- family dynamics
- bullying and prejudice
- friendship
- courage
- masculinity
- resilience
About this book
This collection of six sports-themed short stories follows teens facing tough choices on and off the field. Chris Crutcher blends humor and heart with real-life issues like prejudice, family pressure, and self-acceptance. The writing is fast-paced and relatable, making it a strong pick for older teens who like realistic, character-driven stories. Perfect for readers who enjoy sports backdrops and honest conversations about growing up.
Setting: contemporary small-town Pacific Northwest; high school sports environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athletic Shorts right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Athletic Shorts. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include identity, sportsmanship, family dynamics.
How long does it take to read Athletic Shorts?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Athletic Shorts takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Athletic Shorts have an AR quiz?
Yes — Athletic Shorts has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Athletic Shorts?
Athletic Shorts has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.