Kipton and the tower of time
Fontenay, Charles L.
Kipton and the tower of time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Fontenay, Charles L.
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
What secrets could an ancient tower on Mars be hiding? Kipton finds himself on a daring adventure when a strange, symbol-covered monument might just bend time itself. But when a scientific trip goes wrong, will Kipton unlock the mystery before it’s too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction novel follows Kipton as he explores a mysterious ancient tower on Mars that may enable time travel. The story combines elements of mystery and adventure with themes of space exploration and advanced civilizations. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book includes moderate tension related to scientific mishaps but contains no graphic content.
Why we rated Kipton and the tower of time 9LE
Kipton and the tower of time is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 186 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Kipton and the tower of time works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Kipton and the tower of 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, Kipton and the tower of time explores science & nature, adventure, mystery, and fantasy world-building — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, adventure, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0880923474
- Pages
- 186
- Publisher
- Royal Fireworks Publishing Company
- Published
- 1996
- Type
- Fiction