Flash Fire
Caroline B. Cooney
Flash Fire
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Caroline B. Cooney
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
When a sudden blaze erupts near the canyon, 15-year-old Danna finds herself caught in a dangerous struggle to escape the flames. As the fire spreads, she faces not only physical threats but also unsettling challenges that test her courage and trust in those around her. This intense journey forces Danna to confront harsh realities and fight for survival against overwhelming odds.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include fear & anxiety, physical danger, bullying. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Flash Fire 10IE
Flash Fire is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 208 pages (approximately 37,723 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.8 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flash Fire works for readers up to grade 7.8.
Read aloud, Flash Fire runs about 4.2 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Flash Fire as 10IE ("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 — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Physical Danger, Bullying, Addiction.
Thematically, Flash Fire explores survival, coming of age, family, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about survival, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10IE — 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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0590484966
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- Sep 01, 1996
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 37,723
- Read-Aloud
- ~4h 11m
- Text Density
- Standard