HootRated mascot HootRated

A Skateboard Cat-astrophe

Franklin W. Dixon

Cover of A Skateboard Cat-astrophe

A Skateboard Cat-astrophe

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Hardy Boys Clue Book #6

by Franklin W. Dixon

Illustrated by David, Matt, illustrator

Reading Level 1-2 6LP Ages 5-8 Heads Up

The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Who could be trying to stop Skeeter the Skateboarding Cat from winning the big skateboarding contest? Frank and Joe are on the case, racing against time to catch the sneaky saboteur. But will they solve the mystery before it's too late?

Themes

MysteryAdventureFriendshipCompetitionAnimals

Quick Assessment

A Skateboard Cat-astrophe is an engaging early reader mystery suitable for children aged 5 to 8. The story follows detective brothers Frank and Joe as they investigate who is sabotaging a skateboarding cat during a competition. It contains light suspense and themes of teamwork and problem-solving, making it a fun and age-appropriate choice for young readers.

Why we rated A Skateboard Cat-astrophe 6LP

A Skateboard Cat-astrophe is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 85 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Skateboard Cat-astrophe works for readers up to grade 3.5.

We rate A Skateboard Cat-astrophe as 6LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.

Thematically, A Skateboard Cat-astrophe explores mystery, adventure, friendship, competition, and animals — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Kids drawn to stories about mystery, adventure, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

6LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
1
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

85 pages
ISBN
9781481488693
Pages
85
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Published
2017
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

CompetitionsCatsBrothersSkateboardingMystery and Detective StoriesHardy Boys