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Takedown book cover

Takedown

by Matt Christopher

Little Brown & Co (Juv Pap) 1996

Star Trek: The Next Generation

★★★★★

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English
147
Pages
4
AR Points
3.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • perseverance
  • self-confidence
  • sportsmanship
  • rivalry
  • teamwork
  • family expectations
  • goal setting

About this book

In this fast-paced sports story, a middle-school wrestler fights to prove himself on and off the mat. As practices intensify and matches get tougher, he must learn to manage nerves, handle rivalry, and trust his training. Fans of realistic, play-by-play sports action will enjoy the detailed look at wrestling moves and tournament pressure. Great for readers who like underdog stories and tales of grit and determination.

Setting: contemporary middle school wrestling team; small-town gyms and tournaments

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Takedown right for my child?

Yes — Takedown is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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 perseverance, self-confidence, sportsmanship.

How long does it take to read Takedown?

At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Takedown takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Takedown have an AR quiz?

Yes — Takedown has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Takedown?

Takedown has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.