What reading level is Food?

Food by Peter D. Riley is at a Level 6-7 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Food appropriate for?

Food is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11IP (Intense — Physical). Content flags: Animal Harm, Death, Unconsciousness, Body Horror, Cannibalism, Violence.

Food is nonfiction — Food chains (Ecology). Part of the Cycles in Science series.

Does Food have any content warnings?

Food has a HootRating of 11IP (Intense — Physical). Content flags include: Animal Harm, Death, Unconsciousness, Body Horror, Cannibalism, Violence. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Food?

Food by Peter D. Riley is 32 pages (approximately 4,760 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Food

Peter D. Riley

Food

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Peter D. Riley

Cycles in Science

Reading Level 6-7 11IP Ages 9-12 Matched Page-Turner

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 intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

Discover the fascinating journey of energy through the natural world, where plants, animals, and tiny organisms all play vital roles in the circle of life. This story explores how every creature depends on another, highlighting the delicate balance that keeps our planet thriving. Along the way, witness the challenges faced in protecting nature while feeding a growing population.

Themes

EcologyFood ChainEnvironmental AwarenessSurvival

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6-7 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include animal harm, death, unconsciousness. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Food 11IP

Food is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 32 pages (approximately 4,760 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Food works for readers up to grade 8.4.

Read aloud, Food takes about 32 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Food as 11IP ("Intense — Physical") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Animal Harm, Death, Unconsciousness, Body Horror, Cannibalism, Violence.

Thematically, Food explores ecology, food chain, environmental awareness, and survival — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about ecology, food chain, environmental awareness.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 3 more books in the Cycles in Science series.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.