Max and Me and the Time Machine
by Gery Greer
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1988
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- ingenuity
- courage
- time travel
- responsibility
- perseverance
- adventure
About this book
Two best friends tinker with a strange contraption and are whisked back in time to the rough-and-tumble American frontier. With no modern conveniences, they must rely on quick thinking, courage, and teamwork to navigate unfamiliar dangers and figure out how to get home. The story blends humor with history, offering fast-paced chapters and plenty of what-would-you-do moments for readers in grades 4–6. Kids enjoy the friendship dynamic and the lively, fish-out-of-water adventure.
Setting: present-day small town and the American frontier, 1870s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Max and Me and the Time Machine right for my child?
Yes — Max and Me and the Time Machine is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, ingenuity, courage.
How long does it take to read Max and Me and the Time Machine?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Max and Me and the Time Machine takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Max and Me and the Time Machine have an AR quiz?
Yes — Max and Me and the Time Machine has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Max and Me and the Time Machine?
Max and Me and the Time Machine has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.