The boy who stopped time
Anthony Taber
The boy who stopped time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anthony Taber
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Julian has done the impossible—he stopped time itself by pausing the family clock! But what happens when the whole world freezes and he’s the only one who can move? Everything changes, and Julian is about to discover why time really matters.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader fiction book follows Julian, a young boy who magically stops time by stopping the family clock. Geared toward ages 5-8 with a reading level of grade 1.5, it introduces concepts of time and clocks in a fun, imaginative way. There are no intense themes or content concerns, making it suitable for young children.
Why we rated The boy who stopped time 6C
The boy who stopped time is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 31 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The boy who stopped time works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate The boy who stopped time as 6C ("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, The boy who stopped time explores time, clocks and watches, imagination, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about time, clocks and watches, imagination.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0689504608
- Pages
- 31
- Publisher
- Margaret K. McElderry Books
- Published
- 1993
- Type
- Fiction