What reading level is The Freedom Tree?

The Freedom Tree by Cynthia Mercati, Sue Cornelison is at a Level 5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The Freedom Tree appropriate for?

The Freedom Tree is recommended for Ages 9-12. Content intensity: "Moderate" (3/5). Content flags: Fear & Anxiety, Physical Danger, Social Injustice.

What genre is The Freedom Tree?

The Freedom Tree is fiction — African Americans.

Does The Freedom Tree have any content warnings?

The Freedom Tree has a content intensity rating of "Moderate" (3/5). Content flags include: Fear & Anxiety, Physical Danger, Social Injustice. On HootRated, every book is rated for emotional, physical, and social content themes to help parents make informed choices.

The Freedom Tree

Cynthia Mercati, Sue Cornelison

The Freedom Tree

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Cynthia Mercati, Sue Cornelison

Reading Level 5 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 5th 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 learning to read could be the bravest thing you do? Caroline knows teaching Keely, a slave girl, could bring serious trouble, but the promise of freedom hidden in words is too powerful to ignore. Will their secret lessons change everything or put them both at risk?

Themes

Friendship Coming of Age Family Social Justice Historical

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fiction explores the courageous friendship between Caroline and Keely, set against the harsh realities of slavery. It highlights themes of bravery, literacy, and justice appropriate for ages 9-12, with delicate handling of historical oppression and the risks of defying unjust rules. Parents should note the depiction of punishment and the serious consequences faced by the characters.