Make Like a Tree and Leave
Paula Danziger
Make Like a Tree and Leave
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Paula Danziger
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
Matthew Martin is the master of getting into trouble—whether it's with his parents, teachers, or a crowd of sixth-grade girls on strike! When his Egypt project goes hilariously wrong and his classmate ends up in a cast, Matthew's wild antics prove that being misunderstood can lead to the most unforgettable adventures.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Matthew Martin, a spirited sixth grader whose knack for mischief leads to humorous situations involving family, school, and friendships. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story offers lighthearted humor while touching on themes of peer relationships and personal responsibility without any intense content.
Why we rated Make Like a Tree and Leave 9LE
Make Like a Tree and Leave is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Make Like a Tree and Leave works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Make Like a Tree and Leave 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, Make Like a Tree and Leave explores school & education, friendship, humor, and coming of age — 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 school & education, friendship, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780698116863
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
- Published
- May 18, 1998
- Type
- Fiction