What Is the Time?
Ron Van Der Meer
What Is the Time?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ron Van Der Meer
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The clock ticks loudly as you stare at the spinning hands on the watch face. Numbers glow on a digital screen, but what do they really mean? Suddenly, the time changes—can you figure out what it says before it slips away?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This engaging fictional book introduces children aged 9-12 to the concept of time and teaches them how to read both digital and analog clocks. It uses clear examples and simple explanations suitable for middle-grade readers, making it an excellent educational resource for understanding time-telling basics.
Why we rated What Is the Time? 9C
What Is the Time? 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, What Is the Time? works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate What Is the 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, What Is the Time? explores time, education, and children's fiction — 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, education, children's fiction.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
What Time Is It
Wishing Well
What Time Is It
Wishing Well
What time is it? =
Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
What time is it? =
Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
What time is it?
Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
What time is it?
Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
Time
Arianne Holden
Time
Arianne Holden
Time
Warren A. Shibles
Time
Warren A. Shibles
Time
Sara Pistoia
Time
Sara Pistoia
Details
- ISBN
- 9780816721764
- Publisher
- Troll Communications
- Published
- January 1991
- Type
- Fiction