The green carnation.
Robert Smythe Hichens
The green carnation.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Smythe Hichens
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
Here's a secret: beneath the fancy words and glittering parties, some characters hide a daring truth about who they really are. This tale whispers about friendships and choices that shocked the world long ago, but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This satirical novel, inspired by the life of Oscar Wilde, explores themes of identity and societal judgment through its witty and provocative characters. Suitable for readers aged 9-12 with a reading level around grade 4.5, it offers a historical glimpse into late 19th-century London and touches on complex social issues in a subtle way. Parents should note the book’s exploration of themes related to sexuality and social scandal, presented through a literary and historical lens.
Why we rated The green carnation. 9LS
The green carnation. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 111 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The green carnation. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The green carnation. as 9LS ("Light — Social") 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, The green carnation. explores historical, authors, lgbtq+ representation, social justice, 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 historical, authors, lgbtq+ representation.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LS — Light — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0486222233
- Pages
- 111
- Publisher
- Dover Publications
- Published
- 1970
- Type
- Fiction