T.J.'s Secret Pitch
by Fred Bowen
Peachtree Publishers 1996
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- teamwork
- ingenuity
- sportsmanship
- role models
- underdog
- problem-solving
About this book
T.J. dreams of being a pitcher, but he’s smaller than his teammates and his fastball doesn’t fool many batters. After learning about 1940s Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Rip Sewell and his unusual pitch, T.J. finds a new way to play to his strengths. He works to master the skill while convincing his team to give him a real shot on the mound. This fast, sports-packed story blends baseball action with sports history and is perfect for middle-grade readers who love underdog tales.
Setting: contemporary suburban youth baseball league
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is T.J.'s Secret Pitch right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for T.J.'s Secret Pitch. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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-confidence, teamwork.
How long does it take to read T.J.'s Secret Pitch?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, T.J.'s Secret Pitch takes around 2.2h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does T.J.'s Secret Pitch have an AR quiz?
Yes — T.J.'s Secret Pitch has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 T.J.'s Secret Pitch?
T.J.'s Secret Pitch has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.