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Centerfield ballhawk book cover

Centerfield ballhawk

by Matt Christopher

Tandem Library 1992

★★★★★

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
59
Pages
3
AR Points
3.1h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • teamwork
  • sportsmanship
  • confidence vs. humility
  • friendship
  • responsibility
  • perseverance
  • leadership
  • self-control

About this book

A talented young center fielder prides himself on chasing down every fly ball, but his ball-hawking style starts to ruffle teammates and cause mistakes on the field. As the season heats up, he must learn when to call it and when to trust others, balancing confidence with teamwork. Fast-paced game action and true-to-life team dynamics make this an engaging read for baseball fans. Great for readers in upper elementary and middle grades who enjoy sports stories with heart and growth.

Setting: contemporary youth baseball league, suburban ballfields

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Centerfield ballhawk right for my child?

Yes — Centerfield ballhawk is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th 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, sportsmanship, confidence vs. humility.

How long does it take to read Centerfield ballhawk?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Centerfield ballhawk takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Centerfield ballhawk have an AR quiz?

Yes — Centerfield ballhawk 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 Centerfield ballhawk?

Centerfield ballhawk has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th 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.