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What a catch! book cover

What a catch!

by Dean Hughes

Bullseye Books 1990

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade

Reading level 3.6 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14

3rd grade English
82
Pages
1
AR Points
1.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • teamwork
  • perseverance
  • self-confidence
  • sportsmanship
  • friendship
  • goal-setting

About this book

A young baseball player faces a season of tryouts, practices, and big-game pressure as he tries to prove he belongs on the team. Along the way he learns how much hustle, heart, and teamwork matter—on and off the field. Short chapters, plenty of sports action, and relatable challenges make this an easy pick for sports fans. Great for readers in grades 3–5 who enjoy fast-paced, realistic stories.

Setting: contemporary United States, Little League baseball season in a suburban town

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is What a catch! right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for What a catch!. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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, perseverance, self-confidence.

How long does it take to read What a catch!?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, What a catch! takes around 1.5h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does What a catch! have an AR quiz?

Yes — What a catch! has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 What a catch!?

What a catch! has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.