Crisis on Vulcan
Brad Strickland
Crisis on Vulcan
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Brad Strickland
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 — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671000783
- Pages
- 116
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction