Art of Time Travel
Lisa and John Mullarkey
Art of Time Travel
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lisa and John Mullarkey
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
Ella Fitzgerald’s voice echoes through a smoky jazz club, but suddenly, everything starts to fade. Mary Shelley stares at her unfinished story, hesitating to write the final words. What if these moments disappear forever? The clock is ticking, and the time travelers must act—before history loses its greatest stories.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book introduces young readers to famous artists and writers through thrilling time travel adventures. Targeted at ages 9-12, it explores important moments when these creatives face choices that could erase their legacies. The story encourages appreciation for art and history while offering age-appropriate excitement without intense conflict.
Why we rated Art of Time Travel 9LP
Art of Time Travel is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Art of Time Travel works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Art of Time Travel as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Art of Time Travel explores time travel, adventure, historical fiction, coming of age, and art and creativity — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about time travel, adventure, historical fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781629695006
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Calico Chapter Books
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction