Home run hero
by Dean Hughes
Aladdin 1999
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- teamwork
- family expectations
- sportsmanship
- friendship
- goal setting
About this book
A talented but inconsistent young ballplayer faces big expectations at the plate and learns that being a hero takes more than just swinging for the fences. With pressure from teammates and family, he has to find confidence, practice smarter, and trust his team. Fast-paced game action and relatable locker-room dynamics keep sports fans turning pages. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love baseball and realistic stories about perseverance and teamwork.
Setting: contemporary small-town America during a youth baseball season
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home run hero right for my child?
Yes — Home run hero is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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, self-confidence, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Home run hero?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Home run hero takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Home run hero have an AR quiz?
Yes — Home run hero 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 Home run hero?
Home run hero has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.