
Barry Bonds
by Jeff Savage
First Avenue Editions 2002
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 and discipline
- family and mentorship
- overcoming adversity
- sportsmanship
- goal-setting
- fame and pressure
- achievement
About this book
This fast-paced biography traces Barry Bonds’s journey from a baseball-filled childhood to stardom with the Pirates and Giants. Clear chapters, action photos, and stats highlight the practice, power, and speed that shaped his game. Readers see how family influences and relentless work fueled his rise without getting bogged down in technical detail. Great for sports fans and reluctant readers who enjoy real-life success stories.
Setting: Major League Baseball ballparks in Pittsburgh and San Francisco, 1980s–early 2000s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barry Bonds right for my child?
Yes — Barry Bonds 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 and discipline, family and mentorship.
How long does it take to read Barry Bonds?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Barry Bonds takes around 42m to finish. The book has 7,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Barry Bonds have an AR quiz?
Yes — Barry Bonds has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Barry Bonds?
Barry Bonds 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.