Times Square

Name: Times Square
Author: Ann E. Burg
ISBN: 158536195X

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Ann E. Burg

Discover America Number/Counting Books

Reading Level 6-7 IE · Intense · Emotional Ages 9-12 Matched Page-Turner

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes. Its HootRating code, IE, means intense content, mostly emotional.

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About This Book

Explore the vibrant history of New York City with a unique counting adventure that uncovers surprising and little-known stories from Times Square. Each number reveals a new piece of the city's colorful past, inviting readers to discover the magic behind the bustling streets. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn about one of the world's most famous places through an engaging and educational journey.

Themes

CountingHistorical Multicultural Social Justice

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6-7 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include death & grief, alcohol abuse, physical violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Times Square IE (Intense)

Times Square is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 48 pages (approximately 3,131 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 8 and up can manage Times Square on their own.

Read aloud, Times Square takes about 21 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Times Square as IE (Intense, mostly emotional) because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Death & Grief, Alcohol Abuse, Physical Violence, Medical Emergency, Substance Use, Homophobic Slurs, Nudity, Mild Peril, Realistic Violence, Physical Danger.

Thematically, Times Square explores counting, historical, multicultural, and social justice — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about counting, historical, multicultural.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 9 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.

For Parents

Content Intensity

IE · Intense · Emotional

Emotional

Intense ←

Physical

Intense

Social

Intense

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.