Kickoff Time
by Dean Hughes
Bullseye Books 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- sportsmanship
- perseverance
- friendship
- leadership
- self-confidence
- competition
About this book
When a new youth soccer season kicks off in Angel Park, a group of kids discover that winning takes more than a powerful shot—it takes trust, practice, and real teamwork. As positions are set and rival teams loom, players must learn to share the ball, accept coaching, and believe in one another. Packed with fast-paced game action and relatable school-and-home moments, this story is perfect for sports-loving readers. Kids enjoy the realistic plays, the ups and downs of team dynamics, and the satisfying feeling of improving together.
Setting: a suburban youth soccer league in the town of Angel Park, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kickoff Time right for my child?
Yes — Kickoff Time 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, sportsmanship, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Kickoff Time?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Kickoff Time takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 17,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kickoff Time have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kickoff Time 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 Kickoff Time?
Kickoff Time 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.