Flight #116 Is Down (Point)
Caroline B. Cooney
Flight #116 Is Down (Point)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Caroline B. Cooney
The text is written at a 6th 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 roar of engines fills the sky as a plane suddenly crashes near Heidi's home. Smoke curls into the air, and the smell of burning fuel stings her nose. In that moment, Heidi realizes everything is about to change—can she help save the people trapped inside?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Heidi Landseth, a teenager who becomes an unexpected hero after a plane crashes on her family's property. The story explores themes of courage, quick thinking, and the impact of sudden, life-changing events. Suitable for readers ages 9-12, it contains mild peril related to the crash but handles these scenes with care.
Why we rated Flight #116 Is Down (Point) 11LP
Flight #116 Is Down (Point) is written at a Level 6 reading level across 208 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Flight #116 Is Down (Point) works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Flight #116 Is Down (Point) as 11LP ("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, Flight #116 Is Down (Point) explores adventure, new experience, transportation, and family — 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 adventure, new experience, transportation.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590444798
- Pages
- 208
- Publisher
- Point
- Published
- July 1, 1997
- Type
- Fiction