Columbia

Michael D. Cole

Cover of Columbia

Columbia

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

First Flight of the Space Shuttle

by Michael D. Cole

Countdown to Space

Reading Level 5-6 Gentle (Lvl 1) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Experience the groundbreaking journey of Columbia, the first American space shuttle to soar beyond Earth. Join astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen as they take flight in a reusable spacecraft, changing the future of space travel. Discover the excitement of launch, orbit, and safe return in this thrilling adventure above the skies.

Themes

Science & NatureAdventureHistorical

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with gentle content intensity. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 1 — Gentle
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

8/10

High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
2
Narrative Pace
7
Theme Richness
3
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8
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Details

Book Length

48 pages
4,561 words
30m read-aloud
ISBN
0894905430
Pages
48
Publisher
Enslow Publishers
Published
1995
Type
Nonfiction
Word Count
4,561
Read-Aloud
~30 min
Text Density
Light Text

Genres

Juvenile Nonfiction

Subjects

ColumbiaSpace Shuttles