What reading level is The secret hum of a daisy?

The secret hum of a daisy by Tracy Holczer is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 820L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The secret hum of a daisy appropriate for?

The secret hum of a daisy is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10ME (Moderate — Emotional).

What genre is The secret hum of a daisy?

The secret hum of a daisy is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does The secret hum of a daisy have any content warnings?

The secret hum of a daisy has a HootRating of 10ME (Moderate — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. 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 secret hum of a daisy?

The secret hum of a daisy by Tracy Holczer is 312 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated September 7, 2026

The secret hum of a daisy

Tracy Holczer

The secret hum of a daisy

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Tracy Holczer

Reading Level 5-6 10ME 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

The soft rustle of paper and the faint scent of daisies fill the air as Grace uncovers a hidden clue. Each secret leads her closer to a treasure that might change everything. But can these whispers from the past help her find where she truly belongs?

Themes

Family Coming of Age AdventureHomeDeath

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows 12-year-old Grace as she navigates life after her mother’s sudden death and adjusts to living with a grandmother she’s never met. Through a mysterious treasure hunt, Grace embarks on a journey of self-discovery, family, and finding a new sense of home. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book sensitively explores themes of loss and family change.

Why we rated The secret hum of a daisy 10ME

The secret hum of a daisy is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 820L across 312 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The secret hum of a daisy works for readers up to grade 7.5.

We rate The secret hum of a daisy as 10ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.

Thematically, The secret hum of a daisy explores family, coming of age, adventure, home, and death — 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.
✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, adventure.

Maybe not for

! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.