The time machine
Seymour Simon
The time machine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
and other cases
by Seymour Simon
Illustrated by S. D. Schindler
The text is written at a 3rd 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
Here's a secret: a sixth-grade science sleuth is on the case, solving mysteries you wouldn't expect—like vanishing ice cream and a super fast soapbox car. But that's only the beginning of these puzzling adventures!
Quick Assessment
This engaging early reader follows a sixth-grade science enthusiast as they tackle ten intriguing mysteries, blending humor and problem-solving. Suitable for ages 5-8, it encourages curiosity and critical thinking with age-appropriate content and light suspense.
Why we rated The time machine 8C
The time machine is written at a Level 3 reading level across 74 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The time machine works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The time machine as 8C ("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 time machine explores mystery, science & technology, humor, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, science & technology, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A 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
- 9780380726585
- Pages
- 74
- Publisher
- HarperTrophy
- Published
- January 1999
- Type
- Fiction