This Time Around
Mark A. Roeder
This Time Around
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mark A. Roeder
The text is written at a 4th 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 sharp crackle of a TV preacher’s voice fills the room, mixing with the distant roar of a crowd outside. Jordan and Ralph find themselves caught in a fierce fight to protect places where everyone’s true self can shine. But when danger sneaks closer than ever, Jordan must face not just the world’s threats, but the secrets of his own heart.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of identity, courage, and family as Jordan and Ralph stand up against a powerful adversary threatening LGBTQ+ youth centers. It addresses complex issues such as prejudice and self-discovery while incorporating suspense and emotional depth appropriate for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the presence of conflict involving an antagonist and the theme of personal fears, but the story handles these elements thoughtfully.
Why we rated This Time Around 9ME
This Time Around is written at a Level 4-5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, This Time Around works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate This Time Around as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Threats, LGBTQ+ Themes.
Thematically, This Time Around explores lgbtq+ representation, friendship, family, social justice, and adventure — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about lgbtq+ representation, friendship, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9780613996549
- Publisher
- Tandem Library
- Published
- March 2003
- Type
- Fiction