Another way to climb a tree
Elizabeth Garton Scanlon
Another way to climb a tree
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon
Illustrated by Hooper, Hadley, illustrator
The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Lulu is scrambling up a big tree, leaves brushing her face and branches swaying. Suddenly, she feels a tickle in her throat and has to stop. What will Lulu do when she can't climb like before?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader explores a child's love for climbing and how imagination helps when physical limits, like illness, get in the way. Suitable for ages 5-8, the story gently addresses coping with being sick through creative play without heavy emotional content.
Why we rated Another way to climb a tree 6LE
Another way to climb a tree is written at a Level 1-2 reading level across 38 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Another way to climb a tree works for readers up to grade 3.5.
We rate Another way to climb a tree as 6LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Another way to climb a tree explores imagination, family, childhood, and coping with illness — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about imagination, family, childhood.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
6LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781626723528
- Pages
- 38
- Publisher
- Roaring Brook Press
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction