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Crisis on Vulcan

Brad Strickland

Cover of Crisis on Vulcan

Crisis on Vulcan

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Brad Strickland

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

The sharp scent of alien spices fills the air as Spock steps onto the dusty surface of Marath. His heart pounds with the weight of his father’s mission: to bring peace to a planet on the brink of war. Every step holds the promise of adventure—and the quiet hope that family bonds can change the fate of worlds.

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores the early life of Spock, focusing on his relationship with his father as they journey to the planet Marath to negotiate peace. Suitable for ages 9-12, it introduces themes of family, diplomacy, and responsibility within a sci-fi setting. The story contains mild tension related to interplanetary conflict but remains appropriate for young readers.

Why we rated Crisis on Vulcan 9LE

Crisis on Vulcan is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 116 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Crisis on Vulcan works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Crisis on Vulcan 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, Crisis on Vulcan explores family, adventure, science & nature, and friendship — 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 family, adventure, science & nature.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

116 pages
ISBN
9780671000783
Pages
116
Publisher
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published
1996
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

SpockFathers and SonsFathers and Sons in FictionScience FictionOuter Space

People

Spock