Throwing smoke
by Bruce Brooks
Tandem Library 2000
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
- teamwork
- leadership
- imagination vs. reality
- sportsmanship
- pressure and expectations
- self-confidence
- friendship
- ethics and choices
About this book
A talented young pitcher is stuck on a team that can’t win, no matter how hard he throws. When he channels his creativity into sketching the perfect teammates, his drawings seem to come to life—and the losses start to disappear. Yet each new "perfect" player brings new complications, forcing him to decide what really matters in baseball and in friendship. Fast-paced and imaginative, this sports story hooks readers who love baseball and kids who enjoy a touch of magic.
Setting: contemporary American town; school baseball fields and dugouts
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Throwing smoke right for my child?
Yes — Throwing smoke is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 teamwork, leadership, imagination vs. reality.
How long does it take to read Throwing smoke?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Throwing smoke takes around 3.6h to finish. The book has 36,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Throwing smoke have an AR quiz?
Yes — Throwing smoke has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Throwing smoke?
Throwing smoke has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.