Ladies First
Women Athletes Who Made a Difference
by Ken Rappoport
National Geographic Books 2005
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and discrimination
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- breaking barriers
- gender equality
- racism and discrimination
- role models
- sportsmanship
- courage
- achievement
About this book
This collection profiles a dozen trailblazing women who changed the face of sports and expanded opportunities for girls everywhere. From tennis great Althea Gibson to Iditarod champion Susan Butcher, each chapter spotlights an athlete’s journey, obstacles, and lasting impact. Clear, engaging writing and action-filled moments make the stories accessible to middle-grade readers. It’s an inspiring pick for kids who love sports or who are looking for real-life role models of grit and determination.
Setting: 20th-century sports competitions in the United States and around the world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladies First right for my child?
Yes — Ladies First is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.1, which is typical for 7th 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, breaking barriers, gender equality.
How long does it take to read Ladies First?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Ladies First takes around 2.3h to finish. The book has 24,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ladies First have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ladies First has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Ladies First?
Ladies First has an AR reading level of 7.1, which places it at a 7th 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.