The Never War
by D.J. MacHale
Simon and Schuster 2007
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- fate vs. free will
- responsibility
- ethics of intervention
- teamwork
- identity and deception
- good vs. evil
About this book
Bobby Pendragon travels to First Earth—an alternate 1937 New York—where a shape-shifting villain aims to bend history toward chaos. With new ally Gunny and impulsive friend Spader, Bobby races through hotels, speakeasies, and high-flying machines to stop a world-changing plot. Told through fast-paced journal entries, it blends science fiction, mystery, and nonstop action. Perfect for upper-elementary and middle school readers who enjoy high stakes, twisty timelines, and loyal friendships.
Setting: alternate 1937 New York City (First Earth) and transatlantic travel
Readers also enjoyed
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, fate vs. free will.
How long does it take to read The Never War?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Never War takes around 8.9h to finish. The book has 88,000 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, 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.