C.O.L.A.R.
Alfred Slote
C.O.L.A.R.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Tale of Outer Space
by Alfred Slote
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.
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About This Book
What would you do if your spaceship ran out of fuel on a strange planet? The Jameson family is stuck far from home with only their robot to help them. Can the robot figure out how to save the day before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
C.O.L.A.R. is an early reader science fiction story about the Jameson family stranded on an unknown planet, relying on their robot for survival. Suitable for ages 5-8, this book introduces young readers to themes of problem-solving and teamwork in a futuristic setting. The story contains mild tension but no intense content, making it appropriate for early independent readers.
Why we rated C.O.L.A.R. 6LE
C.O.L.A.R. is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 145 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, C.O.L.A.R. works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate C.O.L.A.R. as 6LE ("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, C.O.L.A.R. explores science & nature, robots, and adventure — 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 science & nature, robots, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — 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
- 0397319363
- Pages
- 145
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Published
- 1981
- Type
- Fiction