Pigs Might Fly
Nick Abadzis
Pigs Might Fly
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nick Abadzis
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
Engines roar and wings flap as Lily Leanchops races against time, her homemade flying machine wobbling over the edge of Pigdom Plains. The Warthogs are closing in, their magical aircraft slicing through the clouds with frightening speed. Will Lily’s science-powered plane hold up—and can she stop the invaders before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
Pigs Might Fly is a middle-grade graphic novel blending action, adventure, and science fiction. It follows Lily Leanchops, a determined young inventor who builds a flying machine to defend her home from an impending threat. Suitable for ages 9-12, this story encourages problem-solving and courage, featuring mild fantasy violence and themes of innovation and bravery.
Why we rated Pigs Might Fly 11LP
Pigs Might Fly is written at a Level 6 reading level across 212 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Pigs Might Fly works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Pigs Might Fly 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, Pigs Might Fly explores adventure, science & nature, fantasy world-building, friendship, 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, science & nature, fantasy world-building.
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
- 9781250176929
- Pages
- 212
- Publisher
- First Second
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction