Making the team
by Dean Hughes
Bullseye Books 1990
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
- friendship
- self-confidence
- sportsmanship
- goals and hard work
About this book
A new season is starting, and a determined kid is set on earning a spot on the local baseball team. He isn’t the biggest or the fastest, but with practice, patience, and a few hard lessons, he starts to find his place on the field. Along the way he navigates tryout nerves, tough competition, and the ups and downs of teamwork. A fast, realistic read for sports-loving readers in grades 4–6 who enjoy underdog stories and game-day drama.
Setting: contemporary small-town youth baseball league
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Making the team right for my child?
Yes — Making the team 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, friendship.
How long does it take to read Making the team?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Making the team takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Making the team have an AR quiz?
Yes — Making the team 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 Making the team?
Making the team 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.