Dickens & Rumi

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Touchdown for Tommy

Matt Christopher · 1959

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Touchdown for Tommy by Matt Christopher. This book is recommended for ages 8+; content notes include Violence, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Good role models, Positive messages.

Ages 8+Book 2 · Football BooksSource checked

Why this age? The book features standard middle-grade sports themes, light conflict, and clear moral lessons appropriate for elementary school readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary or tense content.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes standard football tackles and physical competition.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist shows courage in facing personal and athletic challenges.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages interest in sports and strategy.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the demographic limitations of its 1959 publication date.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into football rules and social dynamics.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn to support each other.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages support teamwork, practice, perseverance, fair play, handling disappointment, and valuing effort over status.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Features positive themes of sportsmanship and overcoming adversity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Touchdown for Tommy would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Touchdown for Tommy, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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