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Touchdown for Tommy (Matt Christopher Sports Classics)

Matthew F Christopher · 1985

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Touchdown for Tommy (Matt Christopher Sports Classics) by Matthew F Christopher. This book is recommended for ages 8+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to independent elementary-school readers; football competition and personal challenges may need occasional discussion, but mature content appears minimal. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Violence1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary content.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Standard football tackles and physical contact inherent to the sport.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Takes bravery for a foster child to integrate into a new school and team.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages interest in team sports and problem-solving within the game.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story appears narrowly focused on its protagonist and situation, with limited evidence of varied backgrounds, identities, or abilities represented with agency.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides some insight into football rules and the experience of youth athletics.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of acceptance and support from new foster parents.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes perseverance, finding family, and the value of teamwork.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Tommy is a dedicated, hardworking protagonist learning to adjust to new life circumstances.

Family discussion

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Touchdown for Tommy (Matt Christopher Sports Classics) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Touchdown for Tommy (Matt Christopher Sports Classics), 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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