The Columbia space shuttle disaster

Michael D. Cole

Cover of The Columbia space shuttle disaster

The Columbia space shuttle disaster

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

From First Liftoff to Tragic Final Flight

by Michael D. Cole

Countdown to Space

Reading Level 6-7 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 6th 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

Experience the excitement of Columbia's first launch as it soars into space to explore the unknown. Follow the shuttle's missions over the years and discover what happened during its final, tragic journey when it broke apart upon re-entry. This story honors the bravery of the crew and the quest to understand this heartbreaking event.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6-7 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include loss & grief, physical danger. Written for readers ages 9-12.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

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

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Physical Danger
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

8/10

High engagement — fast-paced, fun, and hard to put down. Great for reluctant readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Narrative Pace
7
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
8

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Details

Book Length

48 pages
6,029 words
40m read-aloud
ISBN
0766022951
Pages
48
Publisher
Enslow Publishing
Published
2003
Type
Nonfiction
Word Count
6,029
Read-Aloud
~40 min
Text Density
Light Text

Genres

Subjects

ColumbiaAccidentsSpace Vehicle AccidentsSpace Shuttles