A sheltering tree.
Richard Parker
A sheltering tree.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Richard Parker
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The clatter of wooden wheels echoes through the muddy streets, mixing with the sweet smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. Two boys find their lives pulled in different directions—one drawn into secret smuggling, the other kneading dough under the warm glow of an oven. Their stories reveal the hopes and hardships hidden beneath the hum of a changing world.
Quick Assessment
Set during the early Industrial Revolution in 19th century Great Britain, this middle-grade novel follows two boys from middle-class families whose lives diverge as one becomes involved in smuggling while the other apprentices as a baker. The story provides historical context suitable for ages 9-12, exploring themes of social change and personal growth without graphic content or mature themes.
Why we rated A sheltering tree. 11LE
A sheltering tree. is written at a Level 6 reading level across 223 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A sheltering tree. works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A sheltering tree. as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A sheltering tree. explores historical, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0696794144
- Pages
- 223
- Publisher
- Meredith Corporation
- Published
- 1969
- Type
- Fiction