Timelost
Kris Austen Andrews
Timelost
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Commodore 64 Version
by Kris Austen Andrews
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if you could jump through time with just a computer and your friends? Imagine a teen computer genius, his little sister, and a mysterious visitor from the future all trapped in a world where past and future collide. Can they outsmart their enemies and find their way back before time runs out?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade science fiction book follows a teenage computer whiz, his younger sister, and a friend from the future as they become lost in time and face various challenges. It weaves adventure with elements of programming and gaming, offering a fun introduction to technology and problem-solving for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of mild peril and some suspenseful moments appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Timelost 9LE
Timelost is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 147 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Timelost works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Timelost as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Timelost explores adventure, science & nature, friendship, fantasy world-building, and humor — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, friendship.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780880220743
- Pages
- 147
- Publisher
- Que
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Nonfiction