Tack Against Time
Nancy K. Robinson
Tack Against Time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nancy K. Robinson
Illustrated by Alan Tiegreen
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
The sharp snap of a radio crackles through the air, mixing with the salty breeze of the harbor. Each call pulls the T*A*C*K Team deeper into a whirlwind of mysteries and daring adventures where every second counts. With lives on the line and secrets to uncover, can they beat the clock before time runs out?
Quick Assessment
Tack Against Time follows the T*A*C*K Team, a group of young problem-solvers who tackle mysteries and urgent challenges, blending action and adventure suitable for middle-grade readers. The story combines suspenseful scenarios with teamwork and quick thinking, making it appropriate for ages 9 to 12. Parents can expect an engaging narrative that encourages critical thinking without intense or graphic content.
Why we rated Tack Against Time 9LE
Tack Against Time 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, Tack Against Time works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Tack Against 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, Tack Against Time explores adventure, mystery, and friendship — 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 adventure, mystery, friendship.
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
- 9780590336680
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- March 1986
- Type
- Fiction