A time of war
Mary Hocking
A time of war
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Novel
by Mary Hocking
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What would it be like to live and learn at a wartime training center far from home? Imagine being part of a group of young women thrown together in a cabin, each facing the excitement and challenges of World War II in their own way. How will their friendships survive the secrets, parties, and fears that fill their days?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction novel offers a vivid look at life in a World War II Fleet Air Arm Training center from the perspective of young women serving in the Wren division. Through the experiences of girls from diverse backgrounds, it explores themes of friendship, identity, and resilience amidst wartime challenges. Recommended for ages 9-12, the book contains mild references to war-related tension and social dynamics but no graphic content.
Why we rated A time of war 11LE
A time of war is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A time of war works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A time of war as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, A time of war explores friendship, coming of age, family, historical, and social justice — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0701112824
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Chatto & Windus
- Published
- 1968
- Type
- Fiction