I agree with the Common Sense rating on this book for violence. Much of it is quite graphic, however, I feel that brings the story to life all the more. The author is right in that there are few adventure stories written for boys these days, excluding the ones that have been softened up for "today's" boys. Pirates and Nazis were brutal and ruthless, and to portray them otherwise would be dishonest. It is clearly protrayed in this book, and adds emmensely to the suspense, adventure, and courageousness of the characters. It's only because of the graphic nature of the violence that I rated this OK for 10+ and not younger. I strongly disagree with the Common Sense rating for the "Good Stuff". The characters in this book exibit strength of principals and values that are commonly missing, not only from literature today, but from much of society in general. We need our children reading more of everyday heroes with these qualities. I just finished Nick of Time with my 8-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter who loved every minute of it and begged for more every night. When we finished the last page, they both shouted, "That was the best story you've ever read us!"