Out of Bounds
by Fred Bowen
2015
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sportsmanship
- competition
- teamwork
- integrity
- decision-making
- role models
- responsibility
- self-control
About this book
Eighth-grader Nick Osborne loves the thrill of scoring goals, but his drive to win starts to clash with what it means to play fair. With guidance from his soccer-savvy aunt, Nick learns that true success comes from teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. Fast-paced game scenes and real-world dilemmas keep sports fans turning pages. Back matter includes the real sports history behind the story and a fun oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Setting: contemporary suburban middle school and soccer fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Out of Bounds right for my child?
Yes — Out of Bounds is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 sportsmanship, competition, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Out of Bounds?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Out of Bounds takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Out of Bounds have an AR quiz?
Yes — Out of Bounds 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 Out of Bounds?
Out of Bounds has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.