What reading level is Beryl?

Beryl by Jane Simmons is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 730L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Beryl appropriate for?

Beryl is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LE (Light — Emotional).

Beryl is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Beryl have any content warnings?

Beryl has a HootRating of 9LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Beryl?

Beryl by Jane Simmons is 216 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Beryl

Jane Simmons

Beryl

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

a pig's tale

by Jane Simmons

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th 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

What if you were born with a pig nose and a curly tail, and no one seemed to love you for who you are? Imagine setting off on a daring adventure to find a family that accepts you just as you are. But the journey is full of surprises and challenges—will Beryl find a place to truly call home?

Themes

TolerationFamiliesAdventure FriendshipAnimals

Quick Assessment

Beryl is a middle-grade fiction book about a pig who embarks on a journey to find acceptance and belonging beyond her harsh upbringing. The story explores themes of tolerance, friendship, and self-acceptance with gentle humor and heartfelt moments. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a warm adventure that encourages empathy and understanding.

Why we rated Beryl 9LE

Beryl is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 730L across 216 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Beryl works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Beryl as 9LE ("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, Beryl explores toleration, families, adventure, friendship, and animals — 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.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about toleration, families, adventure.