Swish!
by Bill Martin, Jr., Michael Sampson
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 1997
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- girls in sports
- confidence
- competition
- community support
About this book
Two girls’ teams battle basket for basket in a nail-biting championship game. Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson’s rhythmic, play-by-play text and energetic illustrations make readers feel like they’re courtside as the clock winds down. It’s an exciting read-aloud that celebrates teamwork, effort, and the thrill of competition. Perfect for young sports fans and emerging readers who love fast action and big moments.
Setting: a school gym during a championship basketball game (contemporary)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swish! right for my child?
Yes — Swish! is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.3, 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 teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Swish!?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Swish! takes around 5m to finish. The book has 575 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Swish! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Swish! 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 Swish!?
Swish! has an AR reading level of 2.3, 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.