Emergency quarterback
by Rich Wallace
Scholastic 2006
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- leadership
- self-confidence
- pressure and expectations
- friendship
- sportsmanship
- perseverance
About this book
When the starting quarterback goes down, a quiet backup is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. He has to learn plays fast, keep his nerves in check, and earn the trust of his teammates—all while juggling classes and friendships. Fast-paced game action mixes with real-life middle school challenges. It’s a quick, engaging read for sports fans who like stories about leadership and stepping up under pressure.
Setting: contemporary middle school football season in a small town
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emergency quarterback right for my child?
Yes — Emergency quarterback is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, 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, leadership, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Emergency quarterback?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Emergency quarterback takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Emergency quarterback have an AR quiz?
Yes — Emergency quarterback has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Emergency quarterback?
Emergency quarterback has an AR reading level of 4.1, 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.