Flames!
Pete Franks
Flames!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
(with fire hovercraft) (Matchbox)
by Pete Franks
The text is written at a kindergarten reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a huge fire broke out right across the river? Imagine a brave fire hovercraft zooming over the water, rushing to save people before it’s too late. Will it reach the flames in time to stop the disaster?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Flames! is an engaging early reader book suitable for children ages 5-8, featuring a thrilling rescue mission involving a fire hovercraft. The story is simple and action-packed, designed to capture young readers' attention while introducing themes of bravery and emergency response. There is mild peril depicted through the fire scenario, but it is handled in an age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Flames! 5LP
Flames! is written at a Level K-1 reading level across 16 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 1.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flames! works for readers up to grade 2.5.
We rate Flames! as 5LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Flames! explores adventure, action & rescue, early readers, and emergency services — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, action & rescue, early readers.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
5LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416905004
- Pages
- 16
- Publisher
- Little Simon
- Published
- February 28, 2006
- Type
- Fiction