The last leaf
O. Henry
The last leaf
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by O. Henry
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a tiny leaf could hold the power to save a friend's life? Imagine watching the last leaf cling tightly to a tree while someone you care about is very sick. Will the leaf fall and what will happen then?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This classic story explores themes of hope and friendship through the eyes of young artists. Suitable for early readers ages 5-8, it gently addresses illness and the emotional challenges of facing loss. The story is simple and uplifting, with no graphic content, making it appropriate for young children.
Why we rated The last leaf 7LE
The last leaf is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The last leaf works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The last leaf as 7LE ("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, The last leaf explores artists, death, friendship, and hope — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about artists, death, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0871917742
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Creative Company
- Published
- 1980
- Type
- Fiction