Penalty shot
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2009
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- friendship
- pressure and performance anxiety
- leadership
- self-confidence
About this book
When a middle-school soccer forward faces a game-deciding penalty kick, the pressure rattles his confidence on and off the field. As the season unfolds, he has to balance team expectations, friendships, and his own nerves to find his shot again. With plenty of fast-paced game action and relatable team drama, this sports story highlights how practice, patience, and support can turn a setback into a comeback. Perfect for kids who like realistic sports fiction and quick, exciting reads.
Setting: contemporary middle school and community soccer fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penalty shot right for my child?
Yes — Penalty shot is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Penalty shot?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Penalty shot takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Penalty shot have an AR quiz?
Yes — Penalty shot has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Penalty shot?
Penalty shot has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.