Full Court Fever
by Fred Bowen
Open Road Media 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- underdogs
- perseverance
- strategy and problem-solving
- leadership
- self-confidence
- sportsmanship
- growth mindset
About this book
Michael and his undersized basketball team are convinced they can’t win against taller opponents—until they discover the power of the full‑court press. Inspired by the strategy used by the UCLA Bruins of the 1960s, the players learn to rely on hustle, teamwork, and smart play instead of height. Fast-paced game action and short chapters keep readers turning pages, while sports facts in the back matter connect the story to real basketball history. A great pick for hoops fans in upper elementary and middle grades who like underdog stories and practical tips they can use on the court.
Setting: contemporary youth basketball league and school gyms in a suburban community
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Full Court Fever right for my child?
Yes — Full Court Fever 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, underdogs, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Full Court Fever?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Full Court Fever takes around 1.8h to finish. The book has 16,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Full Court Fever have an AR quiz?
Yes — Full Court Fever 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 Full Court Fever?
Full Court Fever 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.