Roughnecks
by Thomas Cochran
Harcourt Brace 2001
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- pressure and expectations
- identity
- teamwork and loyalty
- small-town life
- masculinity
- family dynamics
- dreams vs. duty
- sportsmanship
About this book
In a small Southern town where football rules Friday nights, the Roughnecks chase one last shot at glory. A senior player faces pressure from coaches, family, and friends as he balances loyalty to his team with dreams for life beyond high school. The story captures the intensity of the game and the bonds in the locker room, along with the costs of winning at all costs. Readers who love sports and heartfelt, true-to-life drama will connect with its voice and small-town atmosphere.
Setting: a small oil-patch Southern town; high school and Friday-night football fields, late 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roughnecks right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Roughnecks. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include pressure and expectations, identity, teamwork and loyalty.
How long does it take to read Roughnecks?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Roughnecks takes around 7.1h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Roughnecks have an AR quiz?
Yes — Roughnecks has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Roughnecks?
Roughnecks has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.