Going back
Penelope Lively
Going back
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Penelope Lively
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The sharp crackle of distant bombs mixes with the sweet scent of blooming gardens outside an old house. Inside, memories stir of a time when life was full of fear and adventure, and two siblings made a daring choice to escape. Their story echoes with bravery and the unbreakable bond of family.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction novel explores the experiences of siblings living through World War II in Great Britain. It sensitively addresses themes of family, courage, and the impact of war on children, suitable for ages 9-12. The story offers a thoughtful look at history through personal memories without graphic content.
Why we rated Going back 9LE
Going back is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 122 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Going back works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Going back 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, Going back explores brothers and sisters, world war ii, historical, and family — 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 brothers and sisters, world war ii, historical.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Going home
Roger Bullock
Going home
Roger Bullock
No going back
Alex Gutteridge
No going back
Alex Gutteridge
Going home
K. M. Peyton
Going home
K. M. Peyton
To the Bomb and Back
Sue Saffle
To the Bomb and Back
Sue Saffle
Home Again
Scholastic
Home Again
Scholastic
Going
Sumner Locke Elliott
Going
Sumner Locke Elliott
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0525307508
- Pages
- 122
- Publisher
- Dutton Books
- Published
- 1975
- Type
- Fiction