Touchdown for Tommy
Little Brown and Company 1959
Great fit for 4th 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
- perseverance
- teamwork
- self-confidence
- sportsmanship
- friendship
- goal-setting
- overcoming obstacles
- responsibility
About this book
Tommy dreams of making big plays on the football field, but proving himself on a new team isn’t easy. With tough practices, stiff competition, and doubts from others, he has to dig deep to find confidence and play as part of a team. As the season builds toward a must-win game, Tommy learns that preparation, sportsmanship, and trust matter as much as raw talent. A fast, play-by-play sports story ideal for grades 4–7, especially readers who enjoy realistic action and underdog grit.
Setting: small-town American junior high, football season (mid-20th century)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Touchdown for Tommy right for my child?
Yes — Touchdown for Tommy is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, 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, teamwork, self-confidence.
How long does it take to read Touchdown for Tommy?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Touchdown for Tommy takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Touchdown for Tommy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Touchdown for Tommy 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 Touchdown for Tommy?
Touchdown for Tommy has an AR reading level of 4.4, 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.