Tales Out of Time
Barbara Ireson
Tales Out of Time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Barbara Ireson
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The tick-tock of a clock echoes through strange worlds where the past and future twist and turn. Imagine stepping through time, feeling the cool breeze of ancient days or the electric buzz of tomorrow's cities. Each story whispers secrets about time, making you wonder what moments you’d visit if you could.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This anthology features fourteen science fiction short stories centered on time travel, written by notable authors including H. G. Wells, Walter de la Mare, and Ray Bradbury. Suitable for readers aged 9 to 12, the collection combines imaginative adventures with thought-provoking scenarios about time and change. The stories are appropriate for middle-grade readers, containing no intense content but encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.
Why we rated Tales Out of Time 11C
Tales Out of Time is written at a Level 6 reading level across 247 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tales Out of Time works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Tales Out of Time as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Tales Out of Time explores science & nature, adventure, fantasy world-building, and short stories — 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 science & nature, adventure, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Stories In Time
unknown author
Stories In Time
unknown author
Tales beyond time
L. Sprague De Camp
Tales beyond time
L. Sprague De Camp
Tales from times past
Bryan Holme
Tales from times past
Bryan Holme
Out of time
Aidan Chambers
Out of time
Aidan Chambers
Science of Time Travel
Peg Robinson
Science of Time Travel
Peg Robinson
Timeless Tales
New Readers Press
Timeless Tales
New Readers Press
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0399207864
- Pages
- 247
- Publisher
- Philomel Books
- Published
- 1981
- Type
- Fiction