Painting the Game
by Patricia MacLachlan
Simon and Schuster 2024
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- father-daughter relationships
- identity and self-discovery
- sportsmanship
- expectations and pressure
- art and creativity
- belonging
- perseverance
- confidence
About this book
Lucy loves baseball as much as her dad, a minor-league pitcher chasing a call-up to the majors—but she’s nervous about stepping onto the mound herself, worried she’ll be compared to him. Over one changing season, she begins to see the game through her own eyes, capturing it in sketches and stories as she figures out what kind of player—and person—she wants to be. With Patricia MacLachlan’s gentle, lyrical prose, this is a thoughtful sports story about family, identity, and finding your voice. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven novels and baseball.
Setting: contemporary United States, at home, school, and minor-league baseball fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Painting the Game right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Painting the Game. The reading level is AR 3.9, which is typical for 3rd 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 father-daughter relationships, identity and self-discovery, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Painting the Game?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Painting the Game takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Painting the Game have an AR quiz?
Yes — Painting the Game 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 Painting the Game?
Painting the Game has an AR reading level of 3.9, which places it at a 3rd 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.