Taking Off
Emily Arnold McCully
Taking Off
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Airborne with Mary Wilkins Ellis
by Emily Arnold McCully
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Have you ever dreamed of flying high in the sky? Imagine being a young girl who waits patiently for the chance to take her very first flying lesson, only to face a world at war that grounds her dreams. What will happen when she's called upon to help her country by flying planes she's never piloted before?
Quick Assessment
Taking Off tells the inspiring true story of Mary Wilkins Ellis, a pioneering female pilot during World War II who overcame obstacles to pursue her passion for flying. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, this historical fiction blends engaging watercolor illustrations with a narrative that introduces children to themes of perseverance, history, and courage. The book also includes informative back matter for further learning about Mary and the Air Transport Auxiliary.
Why we rated Taking Off 7LT
Taking Off is written at a Level 2 reading level across 42 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Taking Off works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Taking Off as 7LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, Taking Off explores historical, adventure, family, science & nature, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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 historical, adventure, family.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LT — Light — ThematicLight 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780823449668
- Pages
- 42
- Publisher
- Holiday House
- Published
- 2022
- Type
- Nonfiction