Crash and Burn
Michael Hassan
Crash and Burn
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michael Hassan
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp clang of lockers slamming echoes through Meadows High as Crash races down the hall, heart pounding like thunder. In the chaos, two lives collide in a moment that will change everything. But some secrets whispered in the shadows are harder to forget than the noise of the day.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Crash and Burn is a middle-grade novel exploring the intense emotional and social dynamics surrounding a high school hostage crisis. It delves into themes of violence, interpersonal relationships, and the aftermath of trauma, making it suitable for mature readers aged 9-12 who are ready to engage with complex emotional content. Parents should be aware of the depiction of school violence and its psychological impact on the characters.
Why we rated Crash and Burn 12IE
Crash and Burn is written at a Level 8 reading level across 535 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crash and Burn works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate Crash and Burn as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: School Violence, Emotional Trauma.
Thematically, Crash and Burn explores friendship, emotional problems, high schools, violence, and interpersonal relations — 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 friendship, emotional problems, high schools.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Burn
Suzanne Phillips
Burn
Suzanne Phillips
Crash Test
Hobson Brown
Crash Test
Hobson Brown
Crash
Jerry Spinelli
Crash
Jerry Spinelli
Crash test love
Ted Michael
Crash test love
Ted Michael
Crash Landing
Robert Muchamore
Crash Landing
Robert Muchamore
Crash
Nicole Williams
Crash
Nicole Williams
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062112910
- Pages
- 535
- Publisher
- Balzer + Bray
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction