An extraordinary time
Mary Wittkower
An extraordinary time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Memories of a Young Girl Growing Up in WWII
by Mary Wittkower
The text is written at a 4th 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
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in London during World War II? Imagine being a young woman with a secret job that could change the course of history. What mysteries will you uncover in a world of hidden codes and silent heroes?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction tells the story of a young woman in London during World War II who becomes part of the secretive Bletchley Park code-breaking team. Written with authenticity by someone who experienced these events, it offers a unique perspective on wartime Britain and the vital role women played. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book gently explores themes of history, secrecy, and courage without graphic content.
Why we rated An extraordinary time 9LE
An extraordinary time is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 141 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An extraordinary time works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate An extraordinary time as 9LE ("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, An extraordinary time explores historical, coming of age, family, female protagonist, and war & conflict — 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 historical, coming of age, 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
9LE — 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
- 9781413432176
- Pages
- 141
- Publisher
- Xlibris
- Published
- 2003
- Type
- Nonfiction