This book is about time
Marilyn Burns
This book is about time
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marilyn Burns
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Did you know that the way we tell time wasn’t always the same? People long ago decided to measure time in special ways that still affect our days today—but that’s only the beginning of the story.
Quick Assessment
This informative book explores the history and science behind how humans measure time, including concepts like time zones, biorhythms, and jet lag. Designed for readers ages 9-12, it also offers hands-on projects that make learning about time interactive and engaging. The content is appropriate for middle-grade readers with no sensitive material.
Why we rated This book is about time 9C
This book is about time is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 127 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This book is about time works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate This book is about time as 9C ("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, This book is about time weaves together science & nature and adventure.
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.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
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
9C — 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
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316117524
- Pages
- 127
- Publisher
- Little Brown
- Published
- 1978
- Type
- Nonfiction