Slam!
Recorded Books 2008
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.5 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- friendship and loyalty
- choices and consequences
- talent vs. discipline
- perseverance
- mentorship and coaching
- family support
- urban life
About this book
Greg "Slam" Harris is a star on the basketball court, but school, authority, and tough choices off the court are harder to handle. Set in Harlem, the story follows a talented teen as he joins a new high school team and learns that talent alone isn’t enough. With sharp dialogue and fast-paced game action, it explores academics, friendship, and finding the right path. Teens who love sports and authentic urban stories will be pulled in by Slam’s voice and heart.
Setting: Harlem, New York City, contemporary 1990s high school and basketball courts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slam! right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Slam!. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th 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 identity, friendship and loyalty, choices and consequences.
How long does it take to read Slam!?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Slam! takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 58,600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Slam! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Slam! has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Slam!?
Slam! has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th 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.