What reading level is Space Launch Disaster?

Space Launch Disaster by Michael D. Cole is at a Level 7-8 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Space Launch Disaster appropriate for?

Space Launch Disaster is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 12ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags: Physical Danger, Illness & Injury, Emotional: Fear & Anxiety.

What genre is Space Launch Disaster?

Space Launch Disaster is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction. Part of the Countdown to Space series.

Does Space Launch Disaster have any content warnings?

Space Launch Disaster has a HootRating of 12ME (Moderate — Emotional). Content flags include: Physical Danger, Illness & Injury, Emotional: Fear & Anxiety. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Space Launch Disaster?

Space Launch Disaster by Michael D. Cole is 48 pages (approximately 5,681 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Space Launch Disaster

Michael D. Cole

Space Launch Disaster

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

When Liftoff Goes Wrong

by Michael D. Cole

Countdown to Space

Reading Level 7-8 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 7th 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

Explore the thrilling and sometimes risky world of space travel, where daring missions face unexpected challenges. Learn about real events like the Apollo 1 fire and the Challenger explosion, revealing the courage and determination behind every launch. This exciting journey highlights the bravery and technology that drive astronauts to reach the stars.

Themes

Science & NatureTechnology - Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space ScienceAdventure

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7-8 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include physical danger, illness & injury, emotional: fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Space Launch Disaster 12ME

Space Launch Disaster is written at a Level 7-8 reading level across 48 pages (approximately 5,681 words). Strong independent readers around grade 8.3 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Space Launch Disaster works for readers up to grade 9.3.

Read aloud, Space Launch Disaster takes about 38 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Space Launch Disaster as 12ME ("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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Physical Danger, Illness & Injury, Emotional: Fear & Anxiety.

Thematically, Space Launch Disaster explores science & nature, technology - aeronautics, astronautics & space science, and adventure — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, technology - aeronautics, astronautics & space science, adventure.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 27 more books in the Countdown to Space series.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.