What reading level is Far from the tree?

Far from the tree by Robin Benway is at a Level 7 reading level. Recommended for Upper Grades readers (Ages 13+).

What age is Far from the tree appropriate for?

Far from the tree is recommended for Ages 13+. HootRating: 12ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is Far from the tree?

Far from the tree is fiction — Young Adult Fiction.

Does Far from the tree have any content warnings?

Far from the tree has a HootRating of 12ME (Moderate — 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 Far from the tree?

Far from the tree by Robin Benway is 374 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Far from the tree

Robin Benway

Far from the tree

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Robin Benway

Reading Level 7 12ME Ages 13+ Balanced Read

National Book Award

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

What if being an only child wasn’t the whole story? Grace thought she knew her family until a secret from her past turns her world upside down. Now she must face loud, messy truths with two siblings she never expected—and everything changes.

Themes

Family Adoption & Foster Care Coming of AgeTeenage PregnancyYoung Adult Fiction

Quick Assessment

This novel follows three teenagers connected by birth but separated by vastly different life experiences, exploring complex family dynamics, adoption, teen pregnancy, and foster care. Suitable for ages 13-18, it thoughtfully addresses emotional challenges faced by young adults without graphic content, making it a meaningful read for those interested in family and identity themes.

Why we rated Far from the tree 12ME

Far from the tree is written at a Level 7 reading level across 374 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Far from the tree works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate Far from the tree as 12ME ("Moderate — 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, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, Far from the tree explores family, adoption & foster care, coming of age, teenage pregnancy, and young adult fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 13+ 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 family, adoption & foster care, coming of age.
✓ Readers (and parents) who care about award-recognized writing — Far from the tree carries an award.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.