The Never War
by D.J. MacHale
Simon and Schuster 2009
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
- friendship
- courage
- responsibility
- good vs. evil
- fate vs. free will
- time travel ethics
- sacrifice
- identity
About this book
Bobby Pendragon, a teenage Traveler, heads to First Earth—New York City in 1937—where history hangs in the balance. Teaming up with his friend Spader, Bobby must unravel a dangerous plot connected to an infamous airship and a shadowy enemy who manipulates events across territories. Packed with fast-paced action, clever twists, and journal-style entries, this third Pendragon adventure explores how one choice can ripple through time. Perfect for readers who love high-stakes adventures, alternate worlds, and smart, suspenseful storytelling.
Setting: First Earth (an alternate timeline of Earth); New York City and New Jersey, 1937
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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, 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 friendship, courage, responsibility.
How long does it take to read The Never War?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Never War takes around 8.5h to finish. The book has 84,000 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 13 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, 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.