The Never War
by D. J. MacHale
Turtleback Books 2003
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- time travel
- good vs. evil
- responsibility and choices
- friendship and loyalty
- courage
- fate vs. free will
- identity
About this book
Fifteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon lands in New York City in 1937, where a single choice could ripple through history. With his enemy lurking in the shadows, Bobby must untangle clues, blend into the past, and act without changing the future. Told with fast-paced action and journal-style urgency, it’s a time-twisting adventure with high stakes. Perfect for middle school readers who love history mixed with sci-fi and nonstop suspense.
Setting: New York City and aboard a transatlantic airship, 1937 (First Earth)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Never War right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Never War. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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, good vs. evil, responsibility and choices.
How long does it take to read The Never War?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Never War takes around 8.7h to finish. The book has 86,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Never War have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Never War has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 The Never War?
The Never War has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.