Astronaut Academy
Dave Roman
Astronaut Academy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Splashdown
by Dave Roman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Hakata Soy doesn’t just dream of space—he’s one of the bravest heroes at Astronaut Academy! When a giant volcano threatens to erupt on Beach Planet during summer vacation, the students must team up—even with rivals—to save the day. Can they overcome their differences before everything goes up in smoke?
Quick Assessment
Astronaut Academy: Splashdown is a middle grade graphic novel filled with adventure and teamwork, perfect for readers aged 9-12. The story follows students at a futuristic space academy facing natural disasters and social challenges, highlighting themes of cooperation and problem-solving. Its engaging blend of science fiction and humor makes it an excellent choice for young readers interested in space and friendship.
Why we rated Astronaut Academy 9LE
Astronaut Academy is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 192 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Astronaut Academy works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Astronaut Academy as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Astronaut Academy explores adventure, friendship, science & nature, and fantasy world-building — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 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, friendship, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781250216854
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- First Second
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction