Ladainian Tomlinson
by Michael Sandler
Bearport Pub. Co. 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- hard work
- sportsmanship
- teamwork
- goals and achievement
- leadership
- overcoming adversity
- role models
About this book
This photo-filled sports biography traces LaDainian Tomlinson’s journey from a football-loving kid in Texas to a record-setting NFL running back with the San Diego Chargers. Clear chapters highlight his work ethic, leadership, and impact on and off the field. Written for middle-grade readers, it offers exciting game moments alongside accessible facts and timelines. Kids who love football heroes and true stories of perseverance will be hooked.
Setting: from Texas and TCU to NFL stadiums with the San Diego Chargers, late 1990s–2000s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladainian Tomlinson right for my child?
Yes — Ladainian Tomlinson is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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, hard work, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Ladainian Tomlinson?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ladainian Tomlinson takes around 13m to finish. The book has 2,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ladainian Tomlinson have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ladainian Tomlinson has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Ladainian Tomlinson?
Ladainian Tomlinson has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.