Getting in the Game
by Dawn FitzGerald
Macmillan 2005
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- gender equality
- friendship
- identity
- teamwork
- sportsmanship
- standing up for oneself
About this book
Thirteen-year-old Jo loves hockey enough to try out for the only team around—the boys’ team. When parents, players, and even her best friend Ben push back, she faces tough choices on and off the ice. This fast-paced, relatable story blends rink action with real-life questions about fairness and friendship. A great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy sports stories and strong, determined heroines.
Setting: a contemporary U.S. small town; middle school and local ice hockey rinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Getting in the Game right for my child?
Yes — Getting in the Game is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 perseverance, gender equality, friendship.
How long does it take to read Getting in the Game?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Getting in the Game takes around 4.5h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Getting in the Game have an AR quiz?
Yes — Getting in the Game has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Getting in the Game?
Getting in the Game has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.