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Apollo 13

Jane B. Mason

Cover of Apollo 13

Apollo 13

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

The Movie Storybook

by Jane B. Mason

Reading Level 3 8LP Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The spacecraft shakes violently as alarms blare all around! Astronauts Jim, Jack, and Frank scramble to fix the sudden crisis in space. Will they find a way to survive this unexpected disaster before it's too late?

Themes

AdventureScience & NatureSpace Exploration

Quick Assessment

This early reader book retells the true story of the Apollo 13 mission, transforming a routine moon expedition into a suspenseful survival adventure. Suitable for ages 5-8, it introduces young readers to space exploration and teamwork through accessible language and vibrant movie stills. While the story involves technical challenges and danger, it is presented in a way appropriate for early elementary readers.

Why we rated Apollo 13 8LP

Apollo 13 is written at a Level 3 reading level across 52 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Apollo 13 works for readers up to grade 5.0.

We rate Apollo 13 as 8LP ("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, Apollo 13 explores adventure, science & nature, and space exploration — 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.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, space exploration.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

8LP — Light — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

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

2/10

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
2
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

52 pages
ISBN
0448411199
Pages
52
Publisher
Grosset & Dunlap
Published
1995
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Apollo 13AccidentsProject ApolloSpace Vehicle AccidentsUnited StatesAstronautics, AccidentsSpace Vehicles

Places

United States