The plants
Kenneth McKenney
The plants
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a novel
by Kenneth McKenney
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
Did you know that the plants in your garden might be watching you? In England, the peaceful greenery suddenly starts to fight back against the people who tend them. But that's only the beginning of a wild and mysterious adventure.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book tells a thrilling story where England's gardens mysteriously turn against their caretakers during an otherwise lovely summer. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers an engaging blend of suspense and imagination without intense violence or mature themes.
Why we rated The plants 11LP
The plants is written at a Level 6 reading level across 246 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The plants works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The plants 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, The plants explores plants_fiction, children's fiction, adventure, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about plants_fiction, children's fiction, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
Plants Bite Back
Richard Platt
Plants Bite Back
Richard Platt
Plants
Willis Linn Jepson
Plants
Willis Linn Jepson
Plants
Jon Richards
Plants
Jon Richards
Plants (Weird Wildlife)
Anna Claybourne
Plants (Weird Wildlife)
Anna Claybourne
Plants
John Allan
Plants
John Allan
Plants
Rebecca Rissman
Plants
Rebecca Rissman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0399116273
- Pages
- 246
- Publisher
- Bantam Books
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction