Line Drive
by Dean Hughes
Bullseye Books 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- teamwork
- self-confidence
- sportsmanship
- handling pressure
- friendship
About this book
Line Drive follows a young ballplayer who loves baseball but struggles to find his confidence at the plate. With a big game looming, he has to learn how to handle pressure, listen to his coach, and trust the hours of practice he’s put in. The story focuses on teamwork and perseverance without heavy play-by-play, making it accessible to newer readers. Kids who enjoy sports stories and realistic challenges will find this a fast, encouraging read.
Setting: contemporary Little League baseball in a suburban U.S. town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Line Drive right for my child?
Yes — Line Drive is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, 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, teamwork, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Line Drive?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Line Drive takes around 1.4h to finish. The book has 13,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Line Drive have an AR quiz?
Yes — Line Drive 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 Line Drive?
Line Drive has an AR reading level of 4, 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.