ColSec rebellion
Douglas Hill
ColSec rebellion
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Douglas Hill
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp clang of metal echoes through the starship as it slices silently through the dark, endless space. Outside the porthole, distant planets glow cold and mysterious, but inside, a spark of hope burns fiercely. These teens, once cast away, are ready to shake the stars and fight for a future that’s theirs to claim.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel centers on a group of teenagers who, after being exiled to space by an oppressive government, return to Earth to ignite a rebellion. The story explores themes of resistance, courage, and the fight for freedom, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the depiction of political conflict and rebellion, presented in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated ColSec rebellion 9ME
ColSec rebellion is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 121 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, ColSec rebellion works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate ColSec rebellion as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, ColSec rebellion explores adventure, science & nature, revolution, friendship, and coming of age — 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, science & nature, revolution.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689503601
- Pages
- 121
- Publisher
- New York : Atheneum
- Published
- 1985
- Type
- Fiction