Travel team
by Mike Lupica
Penguin Group USA, Inc. 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- underdog spirit
- teamwork
- self-confidence
- father-son relationships
- sportsmanship
- leadership
- friendship
About this book
Danny Walker is the smallest kid trying out for his town’s elite travel basketball team—and he gets cut. Refusing to give up on the game he loves, Danny and his once-great-hoop-star dad pull together a new team of overlooked players. As they practice, compete, and learn to believe in themselves, Danny discovers what real teamwork and confidence look like. Perfect for sports fans who love underdog stories and fast-paced game action.
Setting: a suburban New York town, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Travel team right for my child?
Yes — Travel team is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 perseverance, underdog spirit, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Travel team?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Travel team takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 69,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Travel team have an AR quiz?
Yes — Travel team has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Travel team?
Travel team has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.