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Rescue!

L. B. Taylor

Cover of Rescue!

Rescue!

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

True Stories of Heroism

by L. B. Taylor

Illustrated by Michael Deas

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Sirens wail through the night as the rush of adrenaline fills the air. Hands tremble, hearts race, and every second counts when brave teenagers leap into action to save lives. Their courage shines brightly, proving that heroes come in all ages—but the real challenge is what comes next.

Quick Assessment

This fictional story highlights the heroic acts of teenagers who received the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission's medal for lifesaving efforts. It offers an inspiring look at emergency medical services and youth bravery, suitable for readers aged 13 to 18. Parents should note the theme of real-life heroism depicted with moderate intensity.

Why we rated Rescue! 9ME

Rescue! is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 130 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Rescue! works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Rescue! as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, Rescue! explores adventure, coming of age, friendship, family, and science & nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
  • Kids drawn to stories about adventure, coming of age, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Moderate
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

130 pages
ISBN
9780671299897
Pages
130
Publisher
Pocket Books
Published
January 1980
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Allied Health ServicesEmergency Medical ServicesCourageHeroesRescue Work

Places

United States