A time to keep silent

Gloria Whelan

Cover of A time to keep silent

A time to keep silent

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Gloria Whelan

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th 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

Clair stops talking—not because she wants to, but because she can’t. After her mom dies, silence becomes her way of coping, and it turns her world upside down. What happens when words disappear but feelings don’t?

Themes

FamilyComing of AgeReligiousEmotional Healing

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel explores the emotional journey of a thirteen-year-old girl coping with her mother's death and the resulting strain in her relationship with her minister father. The story thoughtfully addresses grief, family dynamics, and communication challenges, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should be aware of themes involving loss and emotional withdrawal.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

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

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Divorce & Family Change Fear & Anxiety
Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

6/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

131 pages
ISBN
9780802852557
Pages
131
Publisher
Eerdmans Young Readers
Published
1979
Type
Fiction
Era
Vintage (1979)

Genres

Subjects

FamilyParentsReligiousSocial ThemesDeath, Grief, BereavementFriendshipGriefDeathHousehold MovingElective MutismMoving, HouseholdFathers and DaughtersMutism, ElectiveClergyCountry LifeSelective MutismMutismParent and Child