Sports great Orel Hershiser
by Ron Knapp
Enslow Publishers 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
- sportsmanship
- overcoming adversity
- hard work and discipline
- teamwork
- role models
- goal-setting
About this book
This short biography introduces star pitcher Orel Hershiser, tracing his journey from a determined young athlete to a major-league standout with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Readers learn about his training, competitive mindset, and the challenges he faced along the way. Clear chapters, photos, and stat highlights make the story accessible for sports fans and report writers. Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy real-life sports success stories and inspirational role models.
Setting: Major League Baseball fields and clubhouses in the United States, 1980s–early 1990s (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sports great Orel Hershiser right for my child?
Yes — Sports great Orel Hershiser 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, sportsmanship, overcoming adversity.
How long does it take to read Sports great Orel Hershiser?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Sports great Orel Hershiser takes around 43m to finish. The book has 7,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sports great Orel Hershiser have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sports great Orel Hershiser 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 Orel Hershiser?
Sports great Orel Hershiser 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.