Both Sides of Time
Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2001
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- time travel
- first love
- class and society
- choices and consequences
- identity
- courage
- fate vs. free will
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Annie steps onto the balcony of a crumbling old house and slips back to 1895, where she meets Strat, a boy from a world of carriages, corsets, and strict social rules. Torn between her modern life and the glittering dangers of the Gilded Age, Annie must navigate romance, class expectations, and the consequences of changing the past. Fast-paced and romantic, this time-travel adventure hooks readers who enjoy historical settings with a contemporary heroine. Perfect for middle school and early high school readers who like suspense with a strong emotional pull.
Setting: present-day suburban Connecticut and a Gilded Age mansion in 1895
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Both Sides of Time right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Both Sides of Time. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include time travel, first love, class and society.
How long does it take to read Both Sides of Time?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Both Sides of Time takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Both Sides of Time have an AR quiz?
Yes — Both Sides of Time has an AR quiz available, worth 8 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Both Sides of Time?
Both Sides of Time has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.