Stroke of luck
by Dean Hughes
Random House Books for Young Readers 1991
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sportsmanship
- friendship
- perseverance
- honesty and integrity
- self-confidence
- competition
- family support
About this book
A middle-schooler stumbles into the world of golf and discovers he might actually have a knack for the game. As practices, tryouts, and tournaments pile up, he has to balance competition with friendship and learn what honest play really means. The short chapters, realistic dialogue, and sports action make it a fast, fun read even for reluctant readers. Great for sports fans in grades 4–7 who enjoy underdog stories and real-life challenges.
Setting: a small-town U.S. community centered around a school and local golf course, contemporary (early 1990s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stroke of luck right for my child?
Yes — Stroke of luck is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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, friendship, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Stroke of luck?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Stroke of luck takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Stroke of luck have an AR quiz?
Yes — Stroke of luck 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 Stroke of luck?
Stroke of luck has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.