Stowaways
Brad Strickland
Stowaways
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine #2
by Brad Strickland
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp hiss of the shuttle's engines fills the air as Jake and Nog cling to the cold metal floor, hearts pounding with every bump. The smell of burnt fuel mixes with the tense silence as danger lurks just beyond the hatch. Suddenly, a cry for help breaks through — and the adventure to save Dr. Bashir is just beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction story follows Jake and Nog as they stow away on a shuttle and must rescue Dr. Bashir from a dangerous group called the Turnaways. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains mild peril and quick-paced action but avoids graphic content, making it appropriate for young readers interested in space adventures.
Why we rated Stowaways 9LP
Stowaways is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 112 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Stowaways works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Stowaways as 9LP ("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, Stowaways explores science & nature, adventure, and friendship — 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 science & nature, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Stowaway
Karen Hesse
Stowaway
Karen Hesse
Star Ghost
Brad Strickland
Star Ghost
Brad Strickland
Stowaway
Dorling Kindersley
Stowaway
Dorling Kindersley
Star Trek
Weinstein
Star Trek
Weinstein
Space Camp
Ted Pedersen
Space Camp
Ted Pedersen
Space hostages
Nicholas Fisk
Space hostages
Nicholas Fisk
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0671880004
- Pages
- 112
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Fiction