What reading level is Grayling's song?

Grayling's song by Karen Cushman is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 800L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Grayling's song appropriate for?

Grayling's song is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is Grayling's song?

Grayling's song is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Grayling's song have any content warnings?

Grayling's song has a HootRating of 10LE (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 Grayling's song?

Grayling's song by Karen Cushman is 213 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

Grayling's song

Karen Cushman

Grayling's song

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Karen Cushman

Reading Level 5-6 10LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 5th 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

The sharp scent of pine fills the cool forest air as Grayling steps carefully over moss-covered stones. Every rustle and whisper of the trees seems alive with secrets, and the weight of a powerful spell hangs heavy on her heart. With courage growing inside her, Grayling sets off into the unknown, hoping to save her mother and discover her true strength.

Themes

MagicAdventureMiddle AgesSelf-DiscoveryJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

Set in a vividly imagined medieval kingdom, this middle-grade novel follows Grayling as she embarks on a courageous journey to reverse a dark spell that has transformed her mother into a tree. The story explores themes of bravery, self-discovery, and magic, appropriate for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the presence of fantasy peril and emotional challenges, but the tone remains hopeful and adventurous.

Why we rated Grayling's song 10LE

Grayling's song is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 800L across 213 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Grayling's song works for readers up to grade 7.5.

We rate Grayling's song as 10LE ("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, Grayling's song explores magic, adventure, middle ages, self-discovery, and juvenile fiction — 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 magic, adventure, middle ages.