Summer Ball
by Mike Lupica
Schoolastic Inc. 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-belief
- teamwork
- leadership
- competition
- friendship
- sportsmanship
- identity
About this book
In this sequel to Travel Team, undersized point guard Danny Walker heads to an elite summer basketball camp to test himself against bigger, stronger players. Away from home and friends, he faces tough coaches, cocky rivals, and doubts about whether he belongs on the court. As challenges mount, Danny leans on grit, smarts, and teamwork to prove his game speaks louder than his height. Fast-paced play, locker-room drama, and a big heart make this a favorite for sports-loving readers.
Setting: an elite summer basketball camp in the Northeastern United States
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summer Ball right for my child?
Yes — Summer Ball is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th 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, self-belief, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Summer Ball?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Summer Ball takes around 7.1h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Summer Ball have an AR quiz?
Yes — Summer Ball has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Summer Ball?
Summer Ball has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th 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.