Tackling Dad
HarperCollins 2005
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- gender roles and stereotypes
- perseverance
- father–daughter relationships
- teamwork
- self-confidence
- friendship
- sportsmanship
- breaking barriers
About this book
A determined middle-school girl dreams of playing real tackle football, but her biggest obstacle is closer to home—her dad, a former player who thinks the sport isn’t for girls. With help from friends and a supportive coach, she pushes back against expectations and proves she can handle the hits on and off the field. The story blends fast-paced game action with family dynamics and humor. Kids who like sports, underdog stories, and characters breaking barriers will cheer for this one.
Setting: contemporary suburban United States; middle school and youth football fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tackling Dad right for my child?
Yes — Tackling Dad is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 gender roles and stereotypes, perseverance, father–daughter relationships.
How long does it take to read Tackling Dad?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Tackling Dad takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 28,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tackling Dad have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tackling Dad has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Tackling Dad?
Tackling Dad has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.