The Champ! cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 4.3
Points 2.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 12405
Points per Word 0.000161

Description

Summer loves sports but is always the last kid picked for any team until an unexpected turn of events thrusts her into the spotlight and forces her onto the field. As she navigates new friendships, sudden pressure, and the challenge of proving herself, she discovers that true champions are made through perseverance and teamwork. The first book in Anh Do's series turns the classic underdog story into a humorous and heartfelt middle-grade adventure.

Quick Summary

If you've got a kid who's into sports, or one who feels a little left out sometimes, this one's for them. Summer's the kind of character who genuinely loves the game but always gets picked last for teams and honestly, that's a feeling way too many kids (and adults) know. The story's got this fun, energetic vibe that keeps you turning pages, and when Summer's life suddenly changes in a way she never expected, things get really exciting without being too intense for the middle grade crowd. It's a quick read at around 12,000 words, so reluctant readers can power through it in a sitting or two, but it still manages to pack in some real heart about perseverance and not giving up on yourself. Parents will appreciate that it handles themes of belonging and confidence in a way that feels authentic rather than preachy. If your kid enjoyed books like Wonder or the Timmy Failure series, they'd probably dig this one too and since it's the first in a series, there's more to look forward to once they finish.