Lucky's crash landing
Dean Hughes
Lucky's crash landing
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dean Hughes
The text is written at a 4th 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 sharp clack of skateboard wheels against the pavement echoes through the schoolyard, mixing with the fresh scent of autumn leaves. Lucky feels the rough grip tape under his hands as he races toward a new friendship with the class outcast. Together, they roll through challenges that could change everything about how they see themselves.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of friendship and self-esteem through the story of Lucky, a new student who connects with a class outcast over their shared love of skateboarding. Set in a school community with Mormon characters, the book gently addresses inclusion and kindness, making it suitable for ages 9 to 12. The story promotes positive social values without intense conflict or mature themes.
Why we rated Lucky's crash landing 9LE
Lucky's crash landing is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Lucky's crash landing works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Lucky's crash landing as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Lucky's crash landing explores friendship, coming of age, family, and sports — 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 friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 087579193X
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Deseret Book Co.
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Fiction