What reading level is The poisoned planet?

The poisoned planet by Matthew K. Manning is at a Level 4-5 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The poisoned planet appropriate for?

The poisoned planet is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.

What genre is The poisoned planet?

The poisoned planet is fiction — Juvenile Fiction. Part of the Man of Steel; DC Super Heroes (Capstone/Stone Arch) series.

Does The poisoned planet have any content warnings?

The poisoned planet has a HootRating of 9LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The poisoned planet?

The poisoned planet by Matthew K. Manning is 89 pages (approximately 7,250 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

The poisoned planet

Matthew K. Manning

The poisoned planet

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Matthew K. Manning

Man of Steel; DC Super Heroes (Capstone/Stone Arch)

Reading Level 4-5 9LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

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

A dangerous vine spreads rapidly, wrapping itself around the Daily Planet building and threatening the city. Superman must face off against Poison Ivy's powerful plant creation to save the day. Adventure and heroism grow in every page as the battle unfolds!

Themes

SuperheroesSupervillainsAdventureJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fantasy violence. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated The poisoned planet 9LP

The poisoned planet is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 89 pages (approximately 7,250 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The poisoned planet works for readers up to grade 6.4.

Read aloud, The poisoned planet takes about 48 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate The poisoned planet as 9LP ("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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.

Thematically, The poisoned planet explores superheroes, supervillains, adventure, and juvenile fiction — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about superheroes, supervillains, adventure.