Adrian and the Tree of Secrets

Name: Adrian and the Tree of Secrets
Author: Hubert
ISBN: 9781551525570

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Hubert

Reading Level 4-5 ME · Moderate · Emotional Ages 9-12 Matched Rich Discussion

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes. Its HootRating code, ME, means moderate content, mostly emotional.

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About This Book

Adrian clutches the scooter handle, heart pounding as Jeremy speeds toward the hidden treehouse. The leaves rustle softly around them, but a sudden shout shatters the quiet—someone’s caught them! What will happen to their secret now?

Themes

Friendship Coming of Age Family LGBTQ+ RepresentationLoveSchoolsGraphic Novel

Quick Assessment

This graphic novel follows Adrian, a thoughtful and nerdy teen navigating the challenges of Catholic school life, bullying, and strict family expectations while exploring his feelings for Jeremy, the popular kid. The story sensitively addresses themes of first love, identity, and courage, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes and realistic portrayals of bullying and family dynamics.

Why we rated Adrian and the Tree of Secrets ME (Moderate)

Adrian and the Tree of Secrets is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage Adrian and the Tree of Secrets on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

We rate Adrian and the Tree of Secrets as ME (Moderate, mostly emotional) because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying, Fear & Anxiety, Identity & Self-Discovery, Divorce & Family Change.

Thematically, Adrian and the Tree of Secrets explores friendship, coming of age, family, lgbtq+ representation, and love — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Family book clubs, classroom read-alouds, and parents who want a strong conversation hook.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.

For Parents

Content Intensity

ME · Moderate · Emotional

Emotional

Moderate ←

Physical

Gentle

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.