Strong to the Hoop
by John Coy
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- courage
- sportsmanship
- belonging
- standing up for yourself
About this book
Ten-year-old James longs to join the older kids’ pickup game, but they say he’s too small. When he finally gets a chance, he has to push past nerves and playground roughness to prove he belongs. With energetic, photo-rich illustrations and crisp, accessible text, the story captures the thrill of a fast break and the confidence that comes from standing up for yourself. Perfect for young sports fans and early readers who love realistic, high-energy stories.
Setting: an urban neighborhood basketball court, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Strong to the Hoop right for my child?
Yes — Strong to the Hoop is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, self-confidence, courage.
How long does it take to read Strong to the Hoop?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Strong to the Hoop takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Strong to the Hoop have an AR quiz?
Yes — Strong to the Hoop has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Strong to the Hoop?
Strong to the Hoop has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.