Sports Shorts
by Joseph Bruchac, Jamie McEwan, David Lubar, Marilyn Singer, Terry Trueman, Dorian Cirrone, Alexandra Siy, Tanya Dean
Darby Creek 2012
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sportsmanship
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- teamwork
- resilience
- overcoming fears
- identity
- humor
About this book
Sports Shorts gathers eight true, bite-size stories from popular children's authors about memorable moments on courts, fields, tracks, and stages. From dodgeball and wrestling to softball, track, and even ballet, each piece shows what it feels like to try hard, mess up, and keep going. The voices are funny, honest, and encouraging, making this a great pick for athletes and non-jocks alike. Perfect for middle graders who enjoy quick reads, real-life drama, and plenty of heart.
Setting: Contemporary real-life schools, gyms, tracks, fields, and studios across the U.S.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sports Shorts right for my child?
Yes — Sports Shorts is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 sportsmanship, perseverance, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Sports Shorts?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Sports Shorts takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 26,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Sports Shorts have an AR quiz?
Yes — Sports Shorts has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Sports Shorts?
Sports Shorts has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.