Talking to Trees
Kathryn Sullivan
Talking to Trees
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kathryn Sullivan
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 mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you were mistaken for a hero and whisked away to a magical world where an ancient evil lurks? Imagine your twin brother and his brave friend racing against time to save you—and a mystical tree that holds the fate of everything. Can they stop the darkness before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows 13-year-old twins Jody and Peter Burns as they confront an ancient evil threatening a magical tree in another world. The story explores themes of sibling bonds, bravery, and teamwork, appropriate for ages 9-12. There is mild fantasy peril but no intense content, making it a suitable and engaging read for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Talking to Trees 11LP
Talking to Trees is written at a Level 6 reading level across 214 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Talking to Trees works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Talking to Trees as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Talking to Trees explores fantasy world-building, sibling relationships, adventure, and friendship — 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 fantasy world-building, sibling relationships, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Talking Trees
Michelle Hinkson Gaskin
Talking Trees
Michelle Hinkson Gaskin
If trees could talk
Kay, Paul Jr
If trees could talk
Kay, Paul Jr
The memory trees
Kali Wallace
The memory trees
Kali Wallace
To Banish a Tree
R. J. Wyatt
To Banish a Tree
R. J. Wyatt
Into the Wildewood
Gillian Summers
Into the Wildewood
Gillian Summers
Imaginary World
Clorinda Bryant
Imaginary World
Clorinda Bryant
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781612713564
- Pages
- 214
- Publisher
- Zumaya Publications LLC
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction