Big Field
by Mike Lupica
Penguin Publishing Group 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- leadership
- father–son relationships
- identity
- perseverance
- rivalry
- sportsmanship
- trust
About this book
Hutch has always dreamed of playing shortstop, but when a talented new teammate takes his position, he has to shift to second base and rethink what leadership really means. At the same time, his once-baseball-obsessed father keeps his distance from the game, leaving Hutch with questions he can’t ignore. Fast-paced baseball action mixes with family drama as Hutch learns about teamwork, pride, and finding his voice. Ideal for middle school readers who love sports stories with heart and real-life challenges.
Setting: contemporary South Florida youth baseball leagues
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Field right for my child?
Yes — Big Field 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 teamwork, leadership, father–son relationships.
How long does it take to read Big Field?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Big Field takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 69,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Big Field have an AR quiz?
Yes — Big Field has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Big Field?
Big Field 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.