Sports great Barry Sanders
by Ron Knapp
Enslow 1993
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- talent and hard work
- sportsmanship
- teamwork
- overcoming obstacles
- goal setting
- humility
- role models
About this book
This biography introduces young readers to NFL running back Barry Sanders, from his childhood and record-setting college years at Oklahoma State to his explosive early seasons with the Detroit Lions. Clear, engaging text and photos highlight his speed, work ethic, and humble personality. It’s a great pick for sports fans who enjoy real-life stories of determination and talent. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like football and inspiring athlete profiles.
Setting: United States; Wichita, Oklahoma; Oklahoma State University; Detroit Lions, late 1980s–early 1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sports great Barry Sanders right for my child?
Yes — Sports great Barry Sanders is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.8, which is typical for 6th 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 perseverance, talent and hard work, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Sports great Barry Sanders?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Sports great Barry Sanders takes around 46m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sports great Barry Sanders have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sports great Barry Sanders has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Sports great Barry Sanders?
Sports great Barry Sanders has an AR reading level of 6.8, which places it at a 6th 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.