Lie Tree

Frances Hardinge

Cover of Lie Tree

Lie Tree

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Frances Hardinge

Reading Level 8 12ME Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

What if a quiet girl could unlock secrets by telling lies? On a mysterious island, Faith discovers a magical tree that reveals hidden truths—if only she dares whisper a lie to it. But can this strange power help her solve a deadly mystery without putting her in danger?

Quick Assessment

Set in historical Great Britain, this middle-grade novel follows Faith Sunderly, a curious and clever girl determined to uncover the truth behind her father's suspicious death. The story explores themes of gender roles, family loyalty, and justice, with a blend of mystery and fantasy elements. Suitable for ages 9-12, it includes some darker themes such as murder and societal expectations, handled with care.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

400 pages
ISBN
9781419726415
Pages
400
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Published
2017
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Sex RoleGreat BritainFathers