What reading level is the First Cat in Space series?

The First Cat in Space series by Mac Barnett is at a Grades 2.8–3.4 reading level (average Grade 3.1). Intended for Middle Grades (Ages 9–12). There are 3 books in the series.

What order should I read the First Cat in Space books?

The First Cat in Space series has 3 books in order: 1. First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip, 2. The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom, 3. The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza (The First Cat in Space, 1).

What age is the First Cat in Space series appropriate for?

The First Cat in Space series is recommended for Middle Grades (Ages 9–12). The average content intensity is 1.3/5.

First Cat in Space Books in Order

3 books by Mac Barnett. Reading level: Grades 2.8–3.4. Middle Grades (Ages 9–12).

Series books grow with readers — but that's also the trap. Most series start at one reading level and one content intensity and drift upward over the course of the run. First Cat in Space (3 books by Mac Barnett) lands at reading level Grades 2.8–3.4, with average content intensity 1.3/5. Intensity stays consistent across the series — a kid who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.

The reading-order table below lists every book with per-volume reading level and intensity badges so you can spot any escalation before it catches your reader off guard. For a deeper dive into how we score text difficulty vs. emotional weight separately — and why series readers especially benefit from that split — see our methodology page.

Books

Grades 2.8–3.4

Reading Level

1.3/5

Avg. Intensity

Middle Grades

Content Intensity Across the Series

Consistent

Content stays at a steady intensity level throughout the series.

First book Latest book

First Cat in Space Reading Order

#	Title	Reading Level	Content
1	First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip Mac Barnett	Level 3-4	Gentle
2	The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom Mac Barnett	Level 3-4	Mild
3	The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza (The First Cat in Space, 1) Mac Barnett	Level 2-3	Gentle

All First Cat in Space Books

First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip

Mac Barnett

First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip

Mac Barnett

Level 3-4

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom

Mac Barnett

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom

Mac Barnett

Level 3-4

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza (The First Cat in Space, 1)

Mac Barnett

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza (The First Cat in Space, 1)

Mac Barnett

Level 2-3 Gentle

Questions about the First Cat in Space series

What reading level is the First Cat in Space series?: The First Cat in Space series by Mac Barnett is at a Grades 2.8–3.4 reading level (average Grade 3.1). Intended for Middle Grades (Ages 9–12). There are 3 books in the series.
What order should I read the First Cat in Space books?: The reading-order table above lists all 3 books with per-volume reading level and intensity ratings. Start with book 1 and read in publication order unless the table indicates a different recommended order for newer readers.
What age is the First Cat in Space series appropriate for?: The First Cat in Space series is recommended for Middle Grades (Ages 9–12). The average content intensity is 1.3/5. Check the intensity trajectory above to see whether content gets heavier across the series — if it does, sensitive readers may want to stop earlier in the run.