Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition
by Matt Doeden
Twenty-First Century Books 2012
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- work ethic
- leadership
- family and mentorship
- sportsmanship
- goal setting
- records and legacy
- resilience
About this book
This engaging biography follows Cal Ripken Jr. from his baseball-filled childhood to his rise with the Baltimore Orioles. Readers learn how dedication, consistency, and a love of the game shaped a player known for his durability and leadership. Photos, timelines, and sidebars make the story accessible for middle-grade readers and sports fans. It’s a motivating read for kids who enjoy real-life sports heroes and stories of hard work paying off.
Setting: Baltimore Orioles and Major League Baseball, primarily 1980s–2001; Maryland childhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition right for my child?
Yes — Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.8, which is typical for 6th 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, work ethic, leadership.
How long does it take to read Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition?
Cal Ripken Jr., 2nd Edition has an AR reading level of 6.8, which places it at a 6th 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.