BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books)
Carol Matas
BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Carol Matas
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
The crackling of flames fills the night air, sharp and unforgiving. Rose can almost taste the smoke as it curls around her, a reminder that in sixteenth-century France, whispers can turn into deadly accusations. Fear and courage tangle together in a world where just being a woman is dangerous.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction novel follows fourteen-year-old Rose Rives in sixteenth-century France as she faces the sudden loss of her father and the perilous accusations of witchcraft aimed at her mother and others. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of injustice, fear, and resilience during a turbulent time. Parents should be aware of the book’s intense moments related to persecution and historical violence.
Why we rated BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books) 9ME
BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books) as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Fear & Anxiety, Physical Danger.
Thematically, BURNING TIME, THE (Laurel-Leaf Books) explores historical, family, social justice, and fear & anxiety — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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, family, social justice.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780440219781
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- Laurel Leaf
- Published
- January 1, 1996
- Type
- Fiction