K9 and the missing planet
Martin, David
K9 and the missing planet
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Martin, David
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
K9 isn't just any robot dog—he's the bravest explorer in the galaxy! When a whole planet goes missing, K9 zooms into a universe full of strange, tiny creatures that have never been seen before. What he discovers could change everything!
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader science fiction story follows K9, a robot dog on a mission to find a missing planet. Suitable for ages 5-8, it introduces young readers to concepts of space exploration and life in the universe through simple text and engaging illustrations. The content is gentle and imaginative, with no intense themes or language.
Why we rated K9 and the missing planet 7C
K9 and the missing planet is written at a Level 2 reading level across 31 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, K9 and the missing planet works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate K9 and the missing planet as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, K9 and the missing planet explores science & nature, robots, and adventure — 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 science & nature, robots, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 0866251162
- Pages
- 31
- Publisher
- Rourke Publishing (FL)
- Published
- 1982
- Type
- Fiction