Mudball
by Matt Tavares
Candlewick Press 2011
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- underdog triumph
- sportsmanship
- luck and opportunity
- confidence
- teamwork
- history of baseball
- resilience
About this book
This lively baseball picture book retells the legendary tale of undersized ballplayer Andy Oyler on a miserably rainy day at the ballpark. With humor and dramatic, vintage-style illustrations, Matt Tavares captures the feel of early 1900s baseball and the thrill of an underdog’s big moment. It’s a fun, fast read-aloud for young sports fans and classrooms. Perfect for children who enjoy true-to-life sports stories with a tall-tale twist.
Setting: Minneapolis minor league ballpark, early 1900s, on a rainy game day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mudball right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Mudball. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, underdog triumph, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Mudball?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mudball takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mudball have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mudball 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 Mudball?
Mudball has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.