Timescape
Robert Liparulo
Timescape
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Liparulo
The text is written at a 7th 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
There’s a secret hidden inside an ordinary house—a secret that could change everything. David, Xander, Dad, and Keal have just learned that a mysterious force named Taksidian wants their home to control time itself. But that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction blends time travel with paranormal and horror elements, following a family trying to protect their home from a powerful enemy who aims to manipulate time to build an empire. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of adventure and suspense with some spooky moments, but nothing overly intense for this age group.
Why we rated Timescape 12MP
Timescape is written at a Level 7 reading level across 308 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Timescape works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Timescape as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Timescape explores time travel, paranormal fiction, horror tales, adventure, and family — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about time travel, paranormal fiction, horror tales.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545293419
- Pages
- 308
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction