The time box

Leon Capetanos

Cover of The time box

The time box

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Leon Capetanos

Reading Level 6 11ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The hum of the planetarium dome fills the air as stars swirl above Tommy’s head, making his heart race with questions bigger than the universe itself. Suddenly, the familiar world of school and games feels small, and Tommy's thoughts drift toward mysteries of life and who he really is. But when a sudden loss shakes his world, his journey to find meaning becomes an adventure full of surprises and new feelings.

Themes

Self-confidenceFriendshipComing of AgeFamilyYoung RomanceSchool Life

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows Tommy, a soon-to-be seventh grader, as he navigates the challenges of growing up, including questions about identity and beliefs sparked during a school trip to the planetarium. The story sensitively explores themes of self-confidence, friendship, loss, and young romance, making it suitable for children aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the book addresses grief and complex emotions in an age-appropriate way.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

239 pages
ISBN
9780991121182
Pages
239
Publisher
Owl Canyon Press
Published
2015
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Self-confidenceBoysConduct of LifeSchools

Places

North Carolina