Kacy and the space shuttle secret
Kahn, Sharon
Kacy and the space shuttle secret
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kahn, Sharon
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if a simple school project could lead to a secret mission beyond the stars? Eleven-year-old Kacy's plan to send a houseplant into space sparks an adventure full of mystery and danger. But when a kidnapping threatens everything, can Kacy save the day and uncover the space shuttle secret?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows 11-year-old Kacy Holiday as her idea to send a houseplant into space leads to unexpected and thrilling events, including a kidnapping. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines themes of space exploration with suspenseful elements that are handled thoughtfully for this age group. Parents should note the presence of kidnapping as a plot point, which is portrayed without graphic content.
Why we rated Kacy and the space shuttle secret 9MP
Kacy and the space shuttle secret is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 104 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kacy and the space shuttle secret works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Kacy and the space shuttle secret as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Kidnapping, Mild Peril.
Thematically, Kacy and the space shuttle secret explores astronauts, space shuttles, kidnapping, adventure, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about astronauts, space shuttles, kidnapping.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 157168025X
- Pages
- 104
- Publisher
- Eakin Press
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction